Ken Kutaragi, the former PlayStation executive known colloquially as the “Father of PlayStation,” has reacted to the ongoing debate and discussion about physical games in the wake of Sony’s announcement that it will end support for PS5 game discs in 2028.
Speaking to VGC, Kutaragi said he understands that people think they “own” games when they buy them physically. However, he said, “Nobody thinks [physical media] is necessary for a networked device like a smartphone, for example, because people feel that they will keep their content.”
He went on to say that he “really” does understand why some people are upset about PlayStation’s decision to end discs. However, as many others have said, the math just doesn’t math. “I don’t think it’s economically reasonable. Maybe it’s a mentality issue,” he said.
“I’m not the CEO at PlayStation anymore, but we still have some common [viewpoints]. Right now, Sony Interactive Entertainment has many people who have come from outside, like from Gaikai or streaming companies.
“So it’s understandable that by utilizing network connectivity [they may see] PlayStation as not just a game console, but also a content terminal. Maybe that’s how those people are thinking. But this has caused some friction with game enthusiasts.”
