PlayStation's upcoming transition away from physical media has drawn reactions from across the industry, with former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden recently weighing in on the shift. Following Sony’s announcement that it will cease production of physical game discs starting in 2028, Layden shared his perspective on the impact the decision has on collectors and fans.

Quick Facts

  • PlayStation plans to terminate physical disc releases beginning in 2028.
  • Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden expressed sadness regarding the change from a fan's perspective.
  • Other industry figures, including Hideo Kojima, have also expressed sorrow over the end of physical media.
  • Physical game collectors have been vocally mourning the transition to an all-digital format.

Layden, who has been behind the scenes at Sony, noted that the move was not a snap decision. "I think there's probably a whole lot of financial analysis that went behind this decision, which made them do that," Layden said. "I won't take issue with that, because I'm not a finance guy. But as a fan, just strictly as a fan, it just makes me kind of sad."

Reflecting on his own habits, Layden explained that his personal collection remains a mix of formats. While he prefers digital for games like Call of Duty, he values physical media for titles like God of War, where he enjoys having the box, the art, and the disc as part of his library. He is not alone in this sentiment; Hideo Kojima has similarly expressed sorrow over the shift, and many in the collecting community have been grieving the loss of physical preservation.

The Future of Physical Releases

Despite the broader shift toward digital, some physical releases remain on the horizon. Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that God of War Laufey will receive a physical disc version. Because the game is expected to launch prior to the 2028 cutoff, fans looking to add a physical box to their shelf will still have the opportunity to do so.

Sony has remained largely silent on the backlash following the initial announcement, despite ongoing pressure from players and reports of boycotts. As the industry approaches the 2028 deadline, the debate over the necessity of physical media in a digital-first ecosystem continues to dominate conversations among PlayStation users.