'People should have the choice to buy games in the format that suits them best': top G2A executive supports push for physical game preservation, as
Sony and Rockstar look to a disk-free future

Date:
Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Description:
Game discs on PlayStation will be gone starting in 2028, and the chief business officer of G2A, a digital game key site, isn't siding with Sony's choice.

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 Gaming is edging closer towards a significant change to a controversial new normal, with Sony set to stop releasing physical game discs for PlayStation consoles in 2028, and Rockstar Games announcing that physical copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 will come with a download code in the box, rather than a disc.

Unsurprisingly, gamers arent happy with either development , as both cases indicate the end of any form of game ownership. Backlash online has been at its peak, notably on PlayStations posts on X (or frankly any of its online content ), met with furious demands for the preservation of physical copies. Sonys disc axe plans and Microsoft seemingly following suit also mean GTA 6 , one of the most anticipated games of all-time, likely wont ever have a physical copy. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

I spoke with Katarzyna Jakubiec, the chief business officer at G2A , an
online marketplace that provides digital game keys. She told me that interest in PlayStation Store gift cards was at record levels on the site before Sonys announcement, and even before Rockstar followed suit. Appreciating discs
while they last... (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams) Thats great for marketplaces like G2A, but not so much for gamers. If Sonys plans do come
into effect in 2028, further growth beyond record levels for online marketplaces is increasingly likely, but simultaneously, gamers will effectively be forced into buying gift cards (and already are with GTA 6 ) as one of the only options for cheaper digital purchases, without access to
cheap pre-owned copies. You may like Sony's physical game disc elimination
may ruin the future of gaming GameStop CEO puts dent in physical game preservation push The end of physical game copies is coming, and retailers
are not happy

That partially explains why were already seeing the popularity of PlayStation Store gift cards on marketplaces like Loaded and G2A remain consistently
high, especially since physical copies are becoming less common but despite potential growth in terms of G2A's site visitors and earnings once 2028 arrives, Jakubiec's alliance with gamers and their ability to make a purchasing choice is evident.

"GTA 6 pre-orders have reinforced a trend we were already seeing rather than changing the market overnight," Jakubiec said. "During the pre-sale period, PlayStation gift card purchases on G2A reached record levels and continue to grow as anticipation for the launch builds, showing that many players are planning their purchases well ahead of release rather than waiting until launch day. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up
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"While more players are embracing digital formats for the flexibility and convenience they offer, it's equally clear that physical copies continue to mean a great deal to many gamers, whether that's because of ownership, collection, or simply the experience of buying a physical game.

"We don't see this as an either-or conversation, and in an ideal world,
people should have the choice to buy games in the format that suits them
best. Physical and digital both have an important place within gaming, and different people will always have different preferences." (Image credit: Rockstar Games / Sony) Unfortunately, that's not how Sony sees it; in fact, Sony's stance aligns with the idea that more consumers are purchasing more games digitally, as it makes the controversial decision to end game discs based on 'shifting trends in consumer preference', suggesting that physical game copies are becoming obsolete. What to read next 'I will quit buying games' Sony is killing physical discs in 2028 and now unhappy fans are concerned about what it means for game ownership Game ownership is at risk, and Xbox veteran has unsurprisingly slammed Sony 'Removing discs doesnt represent progress it simply removes choice' The Entertainment Retailers Association denounces Sony's decision to kill physical discs

However, the reaction online and from key game industry figures like Dan Houser (Rockstar Games co-founder), who is no longer working at the game studio, indicate that gamers aren't, and frankly, never will be, done with physical game copies and Jakubiec shares the same sentiment.

"The reaction has been just as telling as the decision itself. It highlights how passionate and diverse the gaming community is, and why major industry decisions need to consider the different ways people choose to buy, own, and experience their games.

"Whether Sony decides to revisit its position is ultimately for them to determine," which, admittedly, would be a surprise considering the amount of online backlash Sony has ignored online since the controversial announcement.

"Whatever direction the industry takes, moments like this reinforce the need to listen to players and communicate those decisions clearly." Did you know TechRadar now has membership? (Image credit: Future) Become a TechRadar Insider by simply clicking 'Join Now' at the top of this page. Have a question? Please email membership@techradar.com Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. The best PS5 games going right now Our top picks for PS5

Read our full guide to the best PS5 games 1. Best overall: God of War Ragnarok 2. Best soulslike: Elden Ring 3. Best superhero: Marvel's Spider-Man 2 4. Superb open-world: Horizon Forbidden West 5. A Kojima banger Death Stranding 2: On the Beach 6. Best multiplayer: Helldivers 2



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/people-should-have-the-choice-to-buy-games-in -the-format-that-suits-them-best-top-g2a-executive-supports-push-for-physical- game-preservation-as-sony-and-rockstar-look-to-a-disk-free-future


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