---
title: "Sony Stops Manufacturing Physical PS5 Discs Amid Gaming Community Backlash"
url: https://newscentral.site/sony-stops-manufacturing-physical-ps5-discs-amid-gaming-community/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Technology"
published: 2026-10-24T12:15:00.000Z
updated: 2026-10-24T12:39:53.279Z
id: 3750b45a-892f-4637-9429-f5529c323b83
source: "Engadget https://www.engadget.com/2294585/ken-kutaragi-father-of-playstation-sides-with-sony-physical-games/"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/sony-stops-manufacturing-physical-ps5-discs-amid-gaming-community/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Sony Stops Manufacturing Physical PS5 Discs Amid Gaming Community Backlash

The decision has sparked criticism from gamers who value physical game ownership and digital rights.

A long-standing debate has been brewing within the gaming community since this summer, as Sony's decision to stop manufacturing physical PS5 discs has sparked widespread criticism.

The controversy surrounding Sony's move has led some to question the company's stance on consumer ownership and digital rights. Ken Kutaragi, a key figure in the development of the original PlayStation, PS2, and PS3 consoles, weighed in on the issue at the Game Republic New Horizons conference in Middlesbrough, England.

Kutaragi acknowledged that many gamers are upset about Sony's decision to discontinue physical disc production. However, he also suggested that this resistance may be rooted in a lingering attachment to traditional gaming formats. In his view, the concept of owning a game through physical media has become increasingly outdated.

In an effort to provide context for the shift towards digital downloads, Kutaragi pointed out that console network features have evolved significantly over the years. He noted that while earlier consoles like the PS2 and PS3 had limited online capabilities, modern gaming platforms now offer seamless connectivity and cloud-based services. This has led some to compare console ownership to smartphone usage, where users are accustomed to accessing content through digital channels rather than physical media.

The former Sony Computer Entertainment chairman's comments on the issue have sparked interest, particularly given his unique perspective as a key figure in the development of Sony's gaming consoles. However, it remains to be seen whether his views align with those of current stakeholders at the company.

As the industry continues to evolve, opinions on the shift away from physical game discs are varied.

Ken Kutaragi's perspective on the matter is particularly noteworthy, given his background as a key figure in the development of the PlayStation brand.

He believes that current leadership at Sony Interactive Entertainment views the platform differently than he did during his tenure, suggesting that they see it not just as a gaming console but also as a content terminal.

This shift in perspective may be reflected in the company's hiring practices, with many employees coming from streaming businesses such as Gaikai.

Kutaragi himself predicted the decline of physical discs back in 2006, when he told GameSpot that digital distribution would eventually make them unnecessary.

A new bill has been proposed in the US Congress that could change the way people view their game ownership. The Power to the Players Act, announced on October 15 by Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY), aims to direct the Federal Trade Commission to establish rules treating purchased games as owned rather than licensed.

If passed, this legislation would also require online games to have an offline mode before their servers shut down, ensuring that players can continue to access and play their games even without a stable internet connection.

---
Source: [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2294585/ken-kutaragi-father-of-playstation-sides-with-sony-physical-games/)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/sony-stops-manufacturing-physical-ps5-discs-amid-gaming-community/