PlayStation Founder Understands Why Players Want to Keep Physical Media Alive

Ken Kutaragi, the founder of PlayStation and a former chairman of Sony, has commented on the ongoing debate surrounding the demise of physical media in the gaming industry. Kutaragi, who left the company in 2007 but still holds some of Sony's perspectives, admits that there is no justification for continuing disc production. However, he recognizes the frustration gamers feel about this transition.

The rapid advancement of technology has led video games into an all-digital future, which may result in the end of physical media. Among the major video game console manufacturers, Sony was the first to announce its plans to discontinue discs in the future. Microsoft's next Xbox console remains unclear regarding a disc drive, while Nintendo has reassured fans that it will maintain physical support.

Sony has faced backlash in recent months due to its stance on physical games. Kutaragi, who left the company in 2007, still shares some of Sony's viewpoints but understands the gamers' perspective as well. Speaking to VGC, he emphasized his initial commitment to creating a network-connected console from the start, considering it the future of the PlayStation platform. As network-connected consoles become more common, access to digital media becomes easier, reducing the need for physical discs.

Despite this, Kutaragi acknowledges that physical discs represent a metaphor for owning games, as purchasing a digital game only grants a digital license that can be revoked at any time, while physical media provides a copy that cannot be taken away as easily. This is why gamers feel so strongly about keeping physical media alive.

Kutaragi states that physical discs are economically reasonable for consumers, as they provide a sense of ownership and security. However, as a businessman, he believes that ending disc production is not economically viable. Sony can cut costs and increase earnings by eliminating discs, maximizing profits. Even though Kutaragi empathizes with gamers' concerns about physical media, he echoes Sony's CFO's view that most sales are digital, and going all-digital won't negatively impact PlayStation as a business.