The 'Father of PlayStation' Says Killing Discs Backlash Is a 'Mentality Issue'
Ken Kutaragi, known as "The Father of PlayStation," has backed Sony's controversial decision to scrap discs on PS5. Kutaragi, who ran Sony's gaming business through its first three console generations, told VGC that while he understands the backlash, it isn't “economically reasonable.”
Ken Kutaragi, fondly known as The Father of PlayStation, has lent his support to Sony's audacious decision to eliminate discs from the PS5. The gaming industry innovator, who was instrumental in steering Sony's gaming ventures through its initial three console epochs, spoke to VGC about the backlash the news has garnered. While Kutaragi empathized with the public's resistance, he firmly stated that the decision isn't economically viable.
The gaming veteran acknowledged that network connectivity was present even in the PS2 and PS3 eras, but it was not as ubiquitous as it is today. He noted that the majority of individuals are now online, and the perception of owning games has shifted from physical discs to digital content.
Kutaragi recognized the disc's symbolic representation of ownership and commended this changing mindset. However, he firmly believed that this transition was more about a mentality shift than a necessity for physical media on networked devices. He used smartphones as an example, highlighting that we don't need physical media to store content on these devices.
Kutaragi further suggested that Sony's all-digital strategy might have broader ambitions beyond gaming. He hinted that consoles could potentially become obsolete, replaced by streaming solutions as a response to escalating component costs. "We won't need any console," he boldly stated, adding, "But this isn't an official comment from Sony Computer Entertainment!"
Sony's plan to phase out physical discs on PlayStation consoles by 2028 is a direct response to evolving consumer preferences. Sid Shuman, Senior Director of Sony Interactive Entertainment Content Communications, confirmed this in a post on PlayStation Blog. "As consumer preferences and the broader entertainment industry continue to shift away from physical discs to digital, physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting January 2028," he said.
This move is a strategic adaptation to consumer trends, aligning closely with the contemporary preference for digital media.
Written by urgent.news from IGN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
