Sony has confirmed plans to cease the production of physical game discs by 2028. While the move affects the console market, it has sparked a broader conversation regarding the future of game preservation and the rights of consumers in an increasingly digital-only landscape.
Frank Cifaldi, director of the Video Game History Foundation, responded to the news by highlighting the complexities of preserving modern software. While acknowledging that the end of physical media is a blow to consumer resale markets and traditional ownership, Cifaldi noted that professional preservationists have faced these challenges for years. "The reality is that the vast majority of video games produced over the last two decades were not made for dedicated home video game consoles, let alone pressed to physical media," Cifaldi stated. Even when physical media is used, "day-one digital patch" requirements often mean the disc itself does not contain the version of the game players actually experience.
The Preservation Gap
The issue extends beyond the initial release of a title. Cifaldi pointed to games that evolve significantly post-launch, such as Hades 2, which saw changes to its ending following its 1.0 release. Without mechanisms to archive these iterative versions, a significant portion of the player experience is lost to time.
For the Video Game History Foundation, the primary obstacle remains the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Cifaldi criticized the trade association for its history of lobbying against efforts by cultural heritage institutions to reform digital copy protection laws. "Everyone agrees this is a serious problem, but the ESA has repeatedly opposed the efforts of cultural heritage institutions to reform digital copy protection laws to make it easier to do this work," the statement reads.
The Risk of Digital Storefront Closures
The announcement regarding physical media coincides with the permanent closure of the PS3 and PS Vita digital stores. While Sony has stated that existing games will remain available for download for the foreseeable future, the reliance on digital storefronts remains a point of contention for those concerned about long-term access.
Cifaldi argued that the industry must move beyond current practices, noting that "asking museums to download a copy of Grand Theft Auto VI and hope it'll run in 50 years is not a preservation solution." As it stands, Cifaldi noted that piracy often remains the most reliable method for preserving games that are no longer supported by their original publishers.