Game store launches petition asking Sony to maintain physical media games

Retail leadership's stance

Jade Pearce, who runs the Canadian chain PNP Games, which has both physical stores and an e-commerce channel, initiated the online campaign. In the document, he argued that physical games are fundamental to sustaining a vast industry, encompassing retailers, distributors, manufacturers, storage and logistics services, as well as supporting the used item market and the community of collectors and preservationists, generating thousands of jobs and numerous small businesses.

Pearce emphasized that the opposition is not to the digital format itself, but rather to it becoming the only available option, as a large and engaged community still desires full ownership of a real physical game, something Sony is about to remove.

Impact on the industry and player concern

This movement highlights the effect Sony's determination can have on specialized video game stores. Although these establishments sell consoles and accessories, the sale of physical media games is what keeps their operations running.

Furthermore, players themselves have expressed concern about this change. Critic Hideo Kojima also expressed his dissatisfaction with the end of physical media on PlayStation. The high adherence to the petition suggests the depth of this concern.

Details of Sony's decision

Sony determined that, starting in January 2028, all new PlayStation games will only be obtainable through download, ceasing the offer in physical media. Consumer complaints, who fear losing some control over purchased games, have emerged on forums and social networks, but Sony has shown itself inflexible regarding its decision. Additionally, the company also opted to close the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita systems.