Following Sony's controversial announcement to end the manufacture and sale of PlayStation discs by January 2028, Sega publisher president Shuji Utsumi has shared the company's perspective on physical media and digital distribution.
Sega President on Console Discs and PC Growth
In an interview with Japanese publication Famitsu, Utsumi explained that Sega views a digital shift as crucial for titles classified as full games on consoles and PCs. While acknowledging that consoles remain important, Utsumi pointed out that the proportion of people playing on PC is steadily increasing. He noted that in areas where traditional hardware is not widely available, many players rely on PC availability.
To cultivate that market, Utsumi believes Sega must strengthen its digitalization and adopt a more globally conscious approach. However, he also drew on Sega's historical background as a former platform provider, emphasizing that the company still values the culture of physical media rather than abandoning it entirely. Instead, Sega is working to balance both digital and physical considerations in parallel.
Industry Backlash Over Physical Media Exits
Sega's measured stance arrives amid widespread industry and consumer pushback against Sony's all-digital pivot for PlayStation hardware. Critics have raised concerns regarding consumer rights, and petitions have emerged urging Sony to reverse course. Meanwhile, other industry figures have weighed in, including Disgaea creator Sohei Niikawa, who remarked that if hardware manufacturers eliminate physical game packages, they might as well eliminate the console hardware entirely.
As the debate continues across the industry, Sega aims to navigate the transition by embracing digital growth for PC and global markets while maintaining its connection to physical media roots.