'It's Possible the Decision May Change in the Future': NIS America Boss Weighs in on PS5 Disc Debate 1
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Behemoth publishers like SEGA and Capcom have indicated they’re not particularly fussed about Sony’s decision to cease manufacturing physical media in 2028.

But it’s interesting to hear from companies like NIS America, who have built elaborate collector’s editions into their business model.

The company will often flog these through its own store, and they represent an important part of its bottom line. It’s even recently moved away from controversial Game Key Cards on Switch 2, reflecting the demand of its customers for proper physical releases.

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At PAX West earlier this year, Kotaku spoke with boss Kenzo Saruhashi, who had some interesting insight to share into his conversations with Sony.

While he admitted he didn’t know much more than consumers like you and I, he said that his company intends “to continue making physical editions and delivering the exceptional quality that our customers are expecting of us” first and foremost.

Asked whether that could mean a move to “codes in a box” beyond PlayStation’s cut-off date in January 2028, he conceded that may be the case.

But he optimistically added the following:

“In our discussions with Sony so far, I think that they’re hearing a lot of the feedback from customers and so while that may be one destination that we arrive at, it’s possible that the discussion may change in the future, so we’ll have to see what happens, what comes of it.”

I think Saruhashi is probably putting an optimistic spin on things here. Of course, it’s possible the platform holder’s plans may change – but it’s unlikely.

I do think it’s important the manufacturer finds an adequate solution to this situation for partners like NIS America, though.

To be fair, the firm has said it’ll continue to supply retailers with a solution, which is likely to culminate in “codes in a box”, but let’s wait and see what it’s got in the hopper.

Considering the company’s overall commitment to climate change and protecting the environment, I sincerely hope it’s not going to ship empty plastic boxes if it continues on its current trajectory, because that strikes me as a profound waste of plastic.

I do hope publishers like NIS America can perhaps show Sony a different side to its decision, though, and reports of a recent survey sent to development partners suggest it should be getting a good amount of feedback from industry people in high places.

[source kotaku.com]