"Father of PlayStation" Says Killing Discs is a "Matter of Mind".

Ken Kotaragi, known as the "Father of PlayStation" has supported Sony's controversial decision to remove PS5 discs. Kotaragi, who ran Sony's game business for the first three generations of its console, told VGC that while he understands the backlash, it doesn't make economic sense.

"Even though we had networking back in the PS2 and PS3 days, it wasn't as common [as it is today]. Now, there are so many people connected," he said.

I understand that physical discs have become a metaphor for "owning" games. I really understand that mentality...but no one thinks [physical media] is necessary for a network device like a smartphone, for example, because people feel like they're going to keep their content. So it's a mindset.

I really understand [why some people are upset], but I don't think it makes economic sense. "Maybe it's a mental issue."

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While Kotaragi noted that Sony's decision has created friction for players, he pointed to the arrangement of Sony Interactive Entertainment, which employs people from streaming services such as Gaikai. Kotaragi noted that Sony may have broader gaming ambitions with its all-digital plans.

He went on to suggest that consoles could eventually be phased out, with platform owners using streaming solutions to combat rising component prices (thanks to AI). "We won't need any consoles," he said before clarifying, "This is not an official comment from Sony Computer. Fun!"

According to Sony's current plans, the physical discs of PlayStation consoles will be completely phased out by 2028. Sony reportedly knew that ditching the PS5 discs would be a huge PR problem, but it went ahead anyway. Sony's rationale for ditching discs is simply to follow consumer trends. "In response to changing trends in consumer preferences, new games will be available in digital-only formats on the PlayStation Store and retailers," said Sid Shuman, Sony's senior director of content communications for interactive entertainment, in a post on the PlayStation Blog.

As consumer preferences and the wider entertainment industry continue to shift from physical discs to digital, production of physical game discs for all new games released on PlayStation consoles will cease from January 2028. After this date, new games will only be available in digital formats on the PlayStation Store and retailers. The move has no effect on games that have already been released or are scheduled to be released on disc before January 2028.

"This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends, as the public preference for digital media significantly exceeds that of physical discs. This transition enables us to access and play today's games the way most of our community prefers."

Players are using every platform they can, including PlayStation Polls, to make their retention concerns heard.