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Update #2 []: The PS5 blackout protest has concluded in many parts of the world, after campaigners originally set a week-long window, scheduled to conclude at 7pm local time on 30th August.
Leaders of the boycott have since changed their language, and encouraged participants to keep their consoles unplugged until Sony changes its stance.
It’d be interesting to know how many observed the rules of the original protest, and how many will stick to it. We should get some insight during Sony’s next financial report, when it shares its monthly active users statistic.
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Some fans are frustrated by PlayStation’s decision to stop manufacturing physical game discs in January 2028, as well as its alleged disregard for consumers. That’s led to a fierce backlash, culminating in this boycott.
Of course, the willpower of protesters is about to be tested, as next week sees the release of The Blood of Dawnwalker and Onimusha: Way of the Sword – two highly anticipated titles.
Beyond that Marvel’s Wolverine, Control Resonant, and, of course, GTA 6 are all on the way.
Sony, for what it’s worth, is forecasting a record breaking fiscal year, which will set a new annual high for the games industry at large.
Update #1 []:
Angry PS5 players now propose an “indefinite” boycott of Sony’s console, as the previously planned blackout steps up its intensity.
In updated language, protesters say the originally mentioned window of 23rd August through 30th August is now “a minimum requirement”.
“Everyone is encouraged to go indefinitely until Sony change course,” the Does It Play account, a leader in the protest, writes. “Pedal to the metal or we won't get anywhere!”
Major upcoming PS5 games include The Blood of Dawnwalker, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Marvel’s Wolverine, Control Resonant, and GTA 6 – among many others.
It’s going to be really interesting to see how resolute campaigners remain in the face of an increasingly strong release schedule.
Original Story: Irate PS5 players have started unplugging their consoles all around the world, as a protest against Sony gets underway.
The blackout – technically scheduled to start at 7pm local time, but already being observed by many participants – is designed to reduce the Japanese giant’s active users, a key performance metric for the company.
Campaigners suggest participants should keep their consoles unplugged from today through 30th August as a minimum. That means no logins, no gaming, and certainly no spending through the PS Store.
While the protest is primarily aimed at Sony’s decision to cease manufacturing physical discs in January 2028, organisers also argue that the company has grown “further apart from its fan base”.
Earlier this week, a Push Square poll concluded 92% of enthusiasts believe PS Studios would benefit from new management, after stories emerged it was rebooting development on spin-off game Horizon Hunters Gathering.
As of its most recent financial report, Sony attracted around 125 million monthly active users, an increase year-over-year. I think this number would have to drop precipitously to have any kind of effect.
Speaking with investors about potential boycotts and PS Plus cancellations, Sony’s CFO Lin Tao said it’s not seeing any “impact on our business”.
This organised and widely publicised blackout campaign may be protesters’ best opportunity to get the company’s attention, then. Will you be taking part?
Will you be participating in the PS Blackout protest? (6,796 votes)
- Yes, I've unplugged my console
- No, I'll be gaming like usual
- I'm still not sure