A growing movement to save physical media on Sony’s platforms is gaining significant momentum. The primary Change.org petition opposing the company’s decision to end production of physical game discs has now surpassed 124,000 signatures, with support continuing to climb rapidly.
Organized by Jade Pearce, the CEO of the Canadian retailer PNP Games, the campaign is one of at least 15 active petitions currently urging Sony to reverse its policy. The company confirmed earlier this week that it plans to cease the production of physical game discs beginning in 2028. By that time, new releases on Sony’s platforms will be restricted to the PS Store, with physical retail copies expected to contain only digital redemption codes rather than game data.
The Argument for Physical Ownership
The petition highlights concerns regarding consumer rights and the nature of digital licensing. Pearce points to the 2013 promise where Sony famously positioned itself as a supporter of game ownership—allowing players to trade, sell, and lend titles. She argues that replacing discs with download codes fundamentally changes the user experience:
"A disc is a real game you own. You can lend it, trade it, resell it, gift it, collect it, or pass it down to your kids. A box with only a download code is not the same thing. It is a digital license in plastic packaging. You do not own it."
Beyond individual ownership, the petition notes the broader economic impact on retailers and distributors who rely on the physical supply chain. Supporters from across the globe, including the UK, US, Portugal, and the Netherlands, have joined the campaign, citing the risk of having digital access revoked and the vulnerability of libraries that depend entirely on server availability.
Is the Decision Reversible?
While the outcry is substantial, there are few signs that Sony intends to change course. Reports indicate that the company has already begun the process of repurposing its largest disc-manufacturing facility for other uses.
History suggests that Sony has the capacity to pivot—most notably in 2021 when it reversed plans to close the PS3 and PS Vita digital stores following community pressure. However, the current shift toward a fully digital ecosystem appears to be a long-term strategic move for the brand, with industry observers largely expecting the upcoming PS6 to launch as a digital-only piece of hardware.
For now, the petitions remain the primary vehicle for players to signal their dissatisfaction with the planned 2028 transition.