Ken Kutaragi, known as the “father of PlayStation,” speaking to VideoGamesChronicle at the Game Republic New Horizons event in Middlesbrough, UK discussed PlayStation ending physical discs in January 2028 and says he understands the frustration from fans.
He acknowledges that Sony’s handling of this has “caused some friction with game enthusiasts,” even if he believes it isn’t “economically reasonable” for PlayStation to continue supporting physical discs.
“Although we had network capability back in the PS2 and PS3 days, it was not that common [as it is today]. Now, many, many people are connected,’ said Kutaragi.
“I understand that physical discs have become a metaphor for ‘owning’ games. I really understand that mentality… But nobody thinks [physical media] is necessary for a networked device like a smartphone, for example, because people feel that they will keep their content. So it’s a mentality.
“I really understand [why some people are upset], but I don’t think it’s economically reasonable. Maybe it’s a mentality issue.”
Kutaragi added, “I’m not the CEO at PlayStation anymore, but we still have some common [viewpoints]. Right now, Sony Interactive Entertainment has many people who have come from outside, like from Gaikai or streaming companies.
“So it’s understandable that by utilizing network connectivity [they may see] PlayStation as not just a game console, but also a content terminal. Maybe that’s how those people are thinking. But this has caused some friction with game enthusiasts.”
A life-long and avid gamer, William D’Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.
Full Article – https://www.vgchartz.com/article/469384/ken-kutaragi-i-understand-that-physical-discs-have-become-a-metaphor-for-owning-games/
