A European Union commissioner has stated that the bloc cannot prevent Sony from moving to an all-digital future for PlayStation games, provided consumer rights are fully protected under existing laws. Sony's decision to cease production of physical PlayStation games from 2028 has sparked widespread petitions and industry backlash, but legal intervention appears unlikely.
Sony's shift to digital-only
Sony has already redirected the focus of its main disc manufacturing facility in Austria, and the upcoming PlayStation 6 is reportedly designed around an all-digital ecosystem. Michael McGrath, the EU commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, was questioned about Sony's plans by reporters in Strasbourg's European Parliament. He responded: 'It does come down to commercial and contractual freedoms, and companies are free to offer games and services in the manner that they see fit, provided that consumer rights are fully protected in line with national and EU law.'
McGrath added that the EU had considered a European citizens initiative on whether games should remain available after a new edition is released, but no further action was taken. As long as Sony complies with consumer protection laws, it can sell games however it chooses without restriction.
Legal challenges and consumer concerns
Sony has faced multiple lawsuits over alleged unfair pricing on the PlayStation Store in recent years, a concern that may intensify with the all-digital push. The Dutch group Stichting Massaschade & Consument recently had its first hearing in the Netherlands for a lawsuit seeking damages of over €400 million (£341 million) against Sony, though this case was initiated before the all-digital announcement.
God of War Laufey confirmed on disc
In a rare piece of good news for physical game enthusiasts, Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that God of War Laufey will be released on disc. The studio tweeted: 'We can confirm God of War Laufey will be available on disc.' This confirms the God of War spin-off is slated for 2027, with insiders suggesting a first-half release. The game will likely be one of the last first-party disc-based titles on PlayStation 5. Santa Monica Studio is also working on a God of War Trilogy Remake, though no release date has been announced. Meanwhile, Naughty Dog's Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet remains undated but may become Sony's major holiday 2027 title.
