Sony may be listening to the backlash over its plan to stop producing new PlayStation game discs in 2028. Kenzo Saruhashi, the head of Nippon Ichi Software and NIS America, says his company is discussing physical releases with Sony and believes customer feedback is reaching the platform holder.
Sony has not reversed the policy. The current plan still ends new disc production in January 2028. Saruhashi’s comments show that publishers are asking questions and that the final shape of the transition may not be settled.
What did Kenzo Saruhashi hear from Sony?
“I think that they’re hearing a lot of the feedback from customers.”
Saruhashi said Nippon Ichi is talking with Sony because physical and limited editions remain important to its business. He also raised code-in-a-box releases as one possible route. That would keep a package on store shelves, but buyers would download the game instead of owning it on a playable disc.
What is Sony still planning for 2028?
PlayStation says it will stop manufacturing discs for all new games released on its consoles beginning in January 2028. New titles will continue through the PlayStation Store and digital codes sold by retailers. Games already pressed on disc are not affected, and Sony says existing PlayStation discs will continue to work.
The announcement quickly became an ownership and preservation argument. Our earlier look at the PlayStation disc backlash explains why many players see the change as larger than a packaging decision.
Why are physical editions important to Nippon Ichi?
Nippon Ichi publishes series such as Disgaea and serves collectors through NIS America’s limited editions. Those releases often include art books, soundtracks, boxes, and other extras built around a physical copy. Removing the disc changes the value of the package and can make long-term access depend on downloads and account services.
Large publishers can move most sales to digital and still reach a broad audience. Smaller publishers often rely on dedicated fans who preorder a boxed release. Saruhashi is speaking from that part of the market.
Could Sony change the plan?
It could, but there is no decision to report yet. Sony could delay the cutoff, allow selected publishers to keep pressing discs, or support boxed digital codes. It could also keep the original policy unchanged.
Saruhashi’s update is the first useful sign that the complaints are not being ignored behind closed doors. Until Sony announces a new policy, January 2028 remains the deadline.
