PlayStation CFO Lin Tao Explains Sony’s 2028 Disc-Free Plan After Backlash

After PlayStation announced it intends to end disc production starting in 2028 and move to an all-digital future, players and industry figures reacted sharply—but Sony had remained largely silent until now. In a recent Q&A following its first-quarter 2026 financial results, Sony CFO Lin Tao directly addressed the backlash and outlined the reasoning behind the plan, including how the company plans to think about players’ emotional attachment to physical games.

Why PlayStation is moving away from discs

Lin Tao said the decision is driven primarily by how quickly content has been digitalized across entertainment overall, not just within PlayStation. He framed digital delivery as a broader industry shift and emphasized that Sony has taken time to evaluate the long-term direction carefully.

He also acknowledged that the company understands the strength of the negative reaction from the gaming community. According to Tao, games are widely loved forms of entertainment and are often tied to special memories, which is why the message landed emotionally for many players.

Tao added that Sony wants to keep exploring “how we relate to players” as it builds the future digital ecosystem, specifically in light of the community feedback it has received.

What changes in 2028

The CFO’s remarks reinforce earlier reporting that PlayStation is aware the move would be unpopular, yet intends to continue with its timetable. Sony’s stated plan is that starting in 2028 it will stop manufacturing discs for both PlayStation-published games and third-party titles—making digital the only format available within the PlayStation market.

Physical stores are expected to remain able to sell games, but the boxed product will not contain a disc. The approach is expected to follow the model that began with the boxed release of GTA VI, which includes a code to redeem the game digitally rather than providing a physical disc.

Industry reaction continues

While Sony has now offered its rationale, the controversy has not fully cooled. Even notable developers have expressed surprise at the decision. Guillaume Broche, director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, publicly reacted with surprise to the ongoing debate around the shift away from discs.

1. PlayStation announces its intent to end disc production beginning in 2028 and shift to an all-digital future.
2. Players and parts of the industry respond strongly with criticism, but Sony does not issue a detailed public explanation for a time.
3. After Sony reports first-quarter 2026 financial results, CFO Lin Tao addresses the backlash during a Q&A and explains the decision’s rationale.
4. Sony reiterates that from 2028 onward disc manufacturing for first- and third-party games will stop, while retail copies remain possible without discs in the box.