'They may never have considered what physical editions mean to the people who value them' Disgaea creator disagrees with Sony's decision to end the production of game discs

Date:
Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:21:03 +0000

Description:
Former Nippon Ichi Software CEO Sohei Niikawa has objected to Sony's plan to end disc production, saying the company might as well eliminate hardware too.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Former Nippon Ichi Software CEO Sohei Niikawa has criticized Sony's decision to end the production of game discs The Disgaea creator says the company doesn't "understand the feelings" of physical game fans He adds, "If theyre going to go as far as eliminating physical packages, they may as well eliminate the hardware too" Former Nippon Ichi Software CEO and creator of the tactical role-playing video game series Disgaea , Sohei Niikawa, has objected to Sony's plan to end disc production , saying the company might as well eliminate hardware too.

Sony announced its decision earlier this month, calling it a "natural direction" for the company that will come into effect by January 2028. It means that in the future, PlayStation owners won't be able to purchase discs for new games. Fans have been vocal about their anger at the decision and
have called on Sony to change its mind. Even Former PlayStation Worldwide Studios boss Shawn Layden has called the plan to move all-digital "a fairly dramatic decision." Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

Now, speaking to Noisy Pixel at Anime Expo 2026, Niikawa has also criticized Sony, saying that while he understands the plan "From a purely business perspective," it will hurt PlayStation fans.

"I can understand why the people at Sony would make that decision, said Niikawa. "However, the executives who decided it have probably never experienced coming to an event like Anime Expo and having someone approach them with a physical game to ask for an autograph. You may like 'Removing discs doesnt represent progress it simply removes choice' The Entertainment Retailers Association denounces Sony's decision to kill physical discs GameStop CEO puts dent in physical game preservation push Industry analyst reports only 7 PlayStation games 'have sold more than 100,000 physical units year-to-date' in the US, as fans demand Sony kill its plan to end the production of discs

"I dont think they understand the feelings of those fans, and they may never have considered what physical editions mean to the people who value them."

He added, "If theyre going to go as far as eliminating physical packages,
they may as well eliminate the hardware too. A television would be enough.
Why would you need the console? If youre going to get rid of physical games, you may as well go all the way." Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

For now, Sony appears firm in its decision, and analysts have determined that it won't change its mind , despite the backlash, arguing that "Digital is
just too lucrative," in the current business.

Circana's Mat Piscatella also believes that Sony is taking advantage of the current digital market, and recently reported that only seven PlayStation games have sold more than 100,000 physical units year-to-date in the US . Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the
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Read our full guide to the best gaming consoles 1. Best overall: PlayStation 5 Slim 2. Best budget: Xbox Series S 3. Best handheld: Nintendo Switch 2 4. Most powerful: PlayStation 5 Pro



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/they-may-never-have-considered-what-physical- editions-mean-to-the-people-who-value-them-disgaea-creator-disagrees-with-sony s-decision-to-end-the-production-of-game-discs


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