Backlash Continues in Comments Sections
Sony has officially rolled out its global “It Happens on PS5” advertising campaign, designed to showcase major upcoming titles and the unique experiences available on the console. However, the promotional effort has been met with significant hostility from the gaming community. Rather than focusing on the games highlighted—such as Marvel's Wolverine, 007 First Light, and God of War Laufey—fans are using the comment sections to protest Sony’s plan to phase out physical game discs by January 2028.
This follows a trend of coordinated criticism seen on recent promotional materials, including trailers for upcoming major releases. Viewers are overwhelmingly using the space to express their frustration, with top comments mocking the campaign's title. One user famously remarked:
«It happens that there used to be discs.»
The Digital-Only Controversy
The tension has been further exacerbated by the distribution strategy for Grand Theft Auto 6. While excitement for the game is high, the decision to offer only a digital code within a physical box for its release has alienated many long-time players. One loyal customer stated:
«I used to buy PS products for more than 30 years. It won't happen again.»
Sony’s Official Stance
Despite the intense public pushback, Sony remains committed to its transition toward a digital ecosystem. Following weeks of silence, Sony CFO Lin Tao addressed the issue during the company's Q1 2026 earnings call. According to information provided by IGN, Tao confirmed that the company is “cautiously” moving forward with its strategic shift away from physical media.
Industry Context
The move by Sony reflects a broader industry trend toward digital-first distribution. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick recently defended the move to digital-only formats for major titles, noting that their business model has shifted significantly over the years.
«Our business is well over 90% digitally distributed. It's already a digital business,»Zelnick explained, highlighting the shifting consumer behavior that is driving these major corporate decisions.