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Sony has said it plans to cease production of physical discs for all games coming to PlayStation starting in 2028.
As well as upsetting many fans, the decision has caused a stir among small, specialist companies producing physical games for PS5 and PS4, among others.
For example, iam8bit, which produces physical editions of games that would otherwise be digital only, has issued a statement against the decision:
Another company that creates physical editions as part of its business is Fangamer, which has posted similar sentiments.
"Even if you play mostly digital games, we know many of you buy our physical releases to have a tangible representation of your favorite games," the company writes. "A copy you can own, borrow, or give as a gift. We take a lot of pride and care in that."
Lost In Cult, which primarily concerns itself with publishing gaming books, has also gotten into making physical games with its Editions line. It has also shared its thoughts on the matter.
"As a company on a mission to preserve video games, we are deeply saddened by the recent news from PlayStation on ending physical disc production from 2028," the company writes. "We aim to do everything in our power to preserve video games to the best of our ability and will continue to do so for as long as we can."
Finally, Red Art Games has shared its own statement:
Obviously, these companies are speaking out because they're at risk. With physical games a significant part of their business, PlayStation's plan could be potentially devastating to establishments like these.
That isn't necessarily Sony's problem, but it's just one of the many ramifications that ending physical media may have for the industry.
With voices from all corners lamenting the decision, including developers and numerous petitions, it seems Sony won't be hearing the end of it any time soon.