Stop to Physical Games on PlayStation: A Legitimate Commercial Choice for the EU

The European Commission has clarified that it cannot prevent Sony, or other companies in the video game industry, from stopping the distribution of physical video games and choosing a model based exclusively on digital versions. This clarification came through Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection.

Speaking before journalists at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, McGrath explained that businesses maintain the freedom to decide how to distribute their products and services, provided that all national and European consumer protection regulations are respected. According to the commissioner, the issue mainly concerns the commercial and contractual freedom of companies. For this reason, European institutions cannot impose on a producer to continue offering a certain distribution method if that choice remains in compliance with existing laws.

Further Considerations on the Removal of Physical Discs for Video Games

McGrath also reminded that the European Commission recently examined the citizens' initiative regarding the preservation of video games after the release of new editions. Last month, Brussels decided not to introduce new rules that require developers to keep games usable once official support has ended, thus responding to the initiative "Stop Killing Games".

The discussion follows Sony's announcement that it intends to stop the production of physical discs for all new PlayStation 5 games starting in January 2028. Only titles released by 2027 will continue to be restocked thereafter. The decision has generated numerous negative reactions among fans of the physical format. A petition urging Sony to reconsider this policy has already gathered over 285,000 signatures. Despite the discontent, market analyst Dr. Serkan Toto believes a change in strategy is unlikely. In his opinion, Sony was fully aware of the possible criticisms and will prefer to wait for media attention to diminish.