A group of gamers is urging PlayStation users to stop playing their consoles for a week in protest of Sony's decision to phase out physical game discs after 2027. The planned 'blackout' runs from August 23 to August 30, with organizers calling for no logins, no play sessions, and no purchases on any Sony platforms.
Protest aims to hit active player metrics
The protest, organized by the group DoesItPlay1, is designed to hurt PlayStation's active player count. In a statement on social media, the group said Sony has 'continued to grow further apart from its fan base' over the PlayStation 5 generation, citing live service games, the closure of Bluepoint, and the absence of historic franchises like Twisted Metal and Sly Cooper.
'Ending physical discs in 2028 feels like the last straw,' the statement added. 'We understand there is only so much Sony Interactive Entertainment can control, but with the decisions that are within its control, the company continues to mismanage the strong position it inherited from the PlayStation 4 era.'
Online petition gains traction
An online petition against the move has already gathered over 340,000 signatures. The protest call on X (formerly Twitter) has received over 4,500 shares and 13,000 likes, though this remains a small fraction of the overall PlayStation player base.
Industry experts note that a significant and sustained drop in player numbers would be needed to influence Sony's decision. The decline of physical games is largely driven by consumer buying habits, with digital sales far surpassing physical. Sony's move to abandon discs benefits the company financially but may harm consumers in the long run.
Rockstar co-founder weighs in
Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games and lead writer of GTA, recently commented on the issue. In an interview with IGN, Houser said companies should provide physical disc options for those who want them. 'I don't know that I care, but if people want that, I think companies should provide it,' he stated.
Houser acknowledged the benefits of digital releases, including the ability to update and fix problems in games, but also expressed a love for physical media. 'I mean, we all have that sort of feeling when you get that copy and you put the disc in the console,' he added. 'But I also have to say I really like being at the airport and going 'oh cool, I can download some quick games to my Steam Deck for this 12 hour flight.''
GTA 6 to skip discs
Rockstar's upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI will be one of the first major games to ditch discs entirely, instead offering download codes. This move underscores the industry's shift toward digital distribution.
The PlayStation blackout protest may struggle to achieve its goals given the scale of the player base, but it reflects growing frustration among some fans over Sony's direction.
