PlayStation Blackout Boycott Had 'No Significant Change' on Player Counts or Engagement, Says Analyst

The PlayStation blackout boycott, initiated to protest Sony's decision to abandon physical media, reportedly had no significant impact on player engagement, according to an analyst. The boycott, which lasted throughout the last week of August, encouraged users to refrain from playing PlayStation, making purchases, or renewing subscriptions to services like PlayStation Plus.

However, analysts noted that this protest did not result in any substantial changes in player counts or overall platform engagement during the boycott. This outcome may disappoint those hoping to influence Sony's policy on physical games, particularly with the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI, which likely won't be hindered by the absence of discs.

Microsoft, meanwhile, is reportedly considering disc drives for its next-generation console. The final year for PlayStation's support of physical media is approaching, with games like God of War Laufey and potentially Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet being the last physical PlayStation exclusives. While change remains uncertain, it appears that an immediate shift in Sony's stance is improbable.