A former Sony and PlayStation industry professional claims there was no discussion about changing Sony’s reported discless strategy at Gamescom 2026. Richard Browne, who previously worked at Sony and Psygnosis, says publishers are continuing to follow guidance for a move away from physical discs in 2028.
Browne addressed the reports on X, rejecting claims that Sony was considering a change in its plans during Gamescom. He also claimed that Microsoft would follow a similar approach if it launches another console.
“Just briefly. There was NO talk of Sony changing strategy at GamesCom. All publishers are following their guidance for discless in 2028. Microsoft will also go discless if they launch a new console. The ‘source’ of these ‘rumors’ has not even posted it to their own X feed.”
Browne has extensive experience in the games industry, having worked for companies including Domark, Psygnosis, Sony, Philips Media, Microprose, Universal Interactive, THQ, Digital Extremes and Tencent.
Sony’s Reported 2028 Discless Strategy
Sony’s reported plans to stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games from January 2028 have generated significant criticism from sections of the gaming community. Concerns have centred on game ownership, resale and preservation, as well as the ability to access games without relying entirely on digital storefronts and licensing.
The reported strategy has also prompted online opposition, including the #PSBlackout boycott and petitions protesting the move.
Browne’s comments contradict recent claims that Sony could reconsider the strategy. According to the industry veteran, there was no indication at Gamescom that Sony was changing course, while publishers are continuing to operate according to the reported 2028 guidance.
Microsoft Could Also Move Away From Discs
Browne further claimed that Microsoft would also move towards a fully discless approach if the company releases a new console.
Microsoft has meanwhile been exploring a different approach to physical media with its recently announced Disc-to-Digital programme. The system allows owners of eligible Xbox One and Xbox Series X physical games to use their discs to obtain corresponding digital entitlements without modifying or destroying the original discs.
