What Sony's Record Engagement Means for Disc-Loving Players
For players who prefer physical discs, Sony's data suggests their protests aren't swaying the company. The industry may see this as confirmation that digital-first strategies won't hurt engagement, ev…
For players who prefer physical discs, Sony's data suggests their protests aren't swaying the company. The industry may see this as confirmation that digital-first strategies won't hurt engagement, ev…
Key points - Sony announced in August it will stop producing physical PlayStation games starting in 2028. - PlayStation monthly active users hit 127 million in September, up 7% year-on-year and a record for the month. - Total playtime for the quarter ending September 30 increased 4% compared to the same period last year. - The PSBlackout boycott launched in August to protest the end of physical games, but Sony's data shows no significant impact. - Sony CFO Lin Tao said the company doesn't see any negative business impact from the decision.
Timeline - August 2025: Sony announces it will end physical PlayStation game production in 2028, sparking backlash and the PSBlackout boycott. - September 2025: PlayStation monthly active users reach a record 127 million for September, up 7% year-on-year. - Quarter ending September 30, 2025: Sony reports total playtime increased 4% year-on-year, showing steady engagement growth.
FAQ
Q: What is the 'no disc, no buy' protest? A: It's a fan-driven movement protesting Sony's decision to stop making physical PlayStation games in 2028. Supporters chant 'no disc, no buy' on social media and streams.
Q: Did the PlayStation Blackout boycott work? A: Based on Sony's latest earnings, it didn't have a noticeable impact. Monthly active users and playtime both increased, and analyst Mat Piscatella noted no significant change in US player engagement.
Q: When will Sony stop making physical PlayStation games? A: Sony plans to scrap physical game production starting in 2028. The announcement was made in August and has led to ongoing backlash from disc-loving players.
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