Sohei Niikawa, the creator of the Disgaea series and former president of Nippon Ichi Software, has voiced strong opposition to Sony’s recent decision to cease the production of physical discs for PlayStation games beginning in 2028. The announcement has triggered widespread concern across the industry regarding game preservation and the nature of digital ownership.

Quick Facts

  • Industry Change: Sony plans to end physical disc production for new PlayStation titles by 2028.
  • Primary Concern: Niikawa emphasizes the cultural and collectible value of physical games for fans.
  • Developer Sentiment: Notable creators including Hideo Kojima and Yoko Taro have also expressed concern over the shift toward a digital-only future.

Speaking in an interview at Anime Expo 2026, Niikawa explained that he believes physical editions remain essential for the player experience. He noted that for many fans, owning a physical copy of a game is a way to preserve memories and maintain a tangible connection to the media they enjoy. "For fans, being able to keep a game they love as an object can have a great deal of value," Niikawa stated.

Niikawa pointed to the community culture surrounding conventions like Anime Expo, where fans frequently bring physical copies of games to be signed by creators. He suggested that Sony’s leadership may not fully grasp this aspect of the medium. "I don't think they understand the feelings of those fans, and they may never have considered what physical editions mean to the people who value them," he added.

The Future of Hardware

Addressing the broader implications of a digital-only ecosystem, Niikawa expressed skepticism about the necessity of dedicated consoles in a world without physical media. "If they're going to go as far as eliminating physical packages, they may as well eliminate the hardware too," he said. "A television would be enough. Why would you need the console?"

This perspective arrives as major players in the industry continue to push cloud-based gaming solutions. While some platforms have experimented with streaming technology—such as the PlayStation Portal, which no longer requires a PS5 console for streaming—the industry continues to grapple with the limitations of these services, including the requirement for consistent internet connectivity and restricted access to game libraries.

Niikawa's comments align with a growing chorus of industry voices, including Hideo Kojima and Yoko Taro, who have publicly questioned the risks of a future where media can become inaccessible. As Sony prepares to transition away from physical media, the debate over the long-term viability and ownership of digital-only game libraries remains a primary point of friction between publishers and their player base.