Hideo Kojima has voiced his disappointment following Sony's announcement that the company will cease the production of physical game discs for PlayStation consoles starting in January 2028. The legendary developer, known for the Metal Gear series and his upcoming horror project OD, described the transition to an all-digital landscape as “very sad.”
Speaking at the II Cinema in Piazza film festival in Italy, Kojima revealed that he has already begun stockpiling physical copies of games and movies while they remain accessible. “Since production is ending in 2028, this is about video games, but I grew up with physical media, so I find it really sad,” Kojima said.
The Risks of a Server-Dependent Future
While the industry has been trending toward digital distribution for years, Kojima’s primary concern lies beyond simple downloads. He distinguishes between owning a digital file stored on local hardware and the prospect of a future dominated by streaming services similar to Netflix or Amazon, where content is tethered to company-controlled servers.
“There are companies that own these servers and let you ‘turn the tap’ for a monthly fee,” Kojima explained. “However, with nations, politics and various ways of thinking, one naturally has to consider the possibility that if there is a change, the data inside will stop being distributed.”
He warned that if that access is cut, players would effectively lose their entire libraries. “And if that happens, you won’t be able to watch or play the movies and games you like. That is what is frightening.”
Concerns for the Future of Media
Kojima emphasized that these concerns are not limited to the gaming industry. As physical media continues its decline, he believes that movies and other forms of digital entertainment could face similar accessibility issues. “What is happening to video games in 2028 might also happen to movies,” he noted. “I’d like everyone to keep that in mind.”
The move by Sony follows a broader industry trend of reducing physical output. The company recently confirmed it will be repurposing a former disc-production facility with a $35 million investment, a decision that has sparked significant debate regarding the preservation of games. In recent months, players have also faced the reality of digital licensing changes, including instances where hundreds of movies were removed from PlayStation user libraries.
Kojima is currently focused on the development of OD, which is being published by Xbox. He previously stated that the title aims to push the boundaries of horror, including plans for players who find the experience too intense to finish.