By Ijeoma Agbafo
A gaming expert, Mr Fisayo Oke, has expressed concern over Sony’s decision to discontinue the production of physical discs for all new games released on PlayStation consoles from January 2028, saying the move could affect gamers’ experience.
Oke, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Gamble Alert, a non-profit organisation promoting responsible gaming, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that physical game discs offered traditional gamers a sense of ownership and made it easier for friends to play together without relying on digital access.
He said the transition to digital-only games could increase costs for players and reduce the emotional connection many gamers have with physical copies. According to him, unlike digital versions, game discs are free from online advertisements and can be used without internet-dependent restrictions, factors that may prompt resistance from some players.
Oke, however, acknowledged that Sony’s decision might have been driven by economic considerations and could also create opportunities for software developers by making digital game distribution more accessible. He added that improving gaming platforms and strengthening information technology infrastructure would help minimise system failures and service disruptions.
Sony recently announced that all new PlayStation games released from January 2028 would be available only in digital format through the PlayStation Store and authorised retailers. The company said the decision reflected changing consumer preferences and would not affect games released before the transition takes effect.
