Starting in July 2028, Sony announced that all new PS5 titles would be released exclusively in digital format, effectively ending the use of physical discs. The industry has dubbed this shift the “digital sovereignty” movement, signaling a profound change in how games are sold and consumed.

European Commissioner for consumer protection Michael McGrath clarified that “companies are free to offer games and services in the manner they see fit, provided consumer rights remain protected under national and EU law.” This statement underscored the regulator’s limited role in interfering with corporate business decisions.

The backlash has been swift: online petitions now boast over 300,000 signatures, and PS Plus cancellations have flooded social media. The “Stop Killing Games” campaign, too, has reignited attention as the EU found no legal obligation to keep games playable after commercial availability ends under current copyright law.

From a financial perspective, digital sales are far more lucrative for Sony. For first‑party titles, the company retains 100% of revenue; for third‑party games, a 30% cut applies. Physical discs, by contrast, see 30% allocated to retailers and 5% to manufacturing costs, significantly shrinking Sony’s margin. This profitability gap is a key driver behind Sony’s digital pivot.

Nonetheless, some upcoming releases—such as ‘God of War Laufey’ and ‘Marvel’s Wolverine’—will still ship on disc, hinting at a hybrid approach. The EU is also in talks with industry stakeholders to draft an “end‑of‑life” code of conduct, potentially offering clearer guidelines for future game preservation.