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Yoko Taro is just as devastated about physical games going the way of the dodo as we are, apparently.
The Nier creative director and scenario writer took to X (formerly Twitter) on July 19 to bemoan the dire future of physical media following Sony’s decision to end production of game discs starting January 2028.
“Personally, I can't help but feel sad about physical media disappearing, but I suppose it's just the flow of the times,” he penned, as per a machine translation.
“Since controlling physical distribution channels is an inherent advantage — especially compared to platforms like Steam — I had actually envisioned a future where, even as digital downloads became the norm, high-priced limited editions would remain physical (much like the model for CD distribution). It’s a shame my prediction was wrong.”
Taro wrote this statement in a quote-retweet of his own post, where he excitedly showed off his physical copy of Hi-Fi Rush and urged players to get their hands on actual game discs while they still can.
“With the recent buzz about the PS5 discontinuing physical media production, we've received Hi-Fi RUSH from our last hope, Super Deluxe-san! Don't assume your parents and physical media will always be there, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out,” he said.
Taro isn’t alone in his thinking. Players around the world are speaking out against the death of physical game discs online, to the point where new game releases are being bogged down with comments protesting PlayStation’s industry-changing business decision.
Sony is even facing a few lawsuits over the ordeal, with a Dutch consumer interest group and Mexican lawmakers arguing the death of physical discs could spell out a “relative monopolistic practice” that throttles prices and puts independent game stores out of business.
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Virginia (she/her) is IGN’s News Editor. With ten years of experience reporting on games and entertainment, she’s got a storied background in the fighting game community, influencer news, and viral online trends. Find her on Twitter at @TheeMissGlaze.
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