Former Square Enix exec predicts cheaper PlayStation games after discs end

On July 1, 2026, Sony announced that it will cease all physical media production for PlayStation, including third-party titles, starting January 2028. This means all games released on PlayStation will be digital-only, with no disc-based options or code-in-the-box retail packages. The decision affects the entire PlayStation ecosystem, not just Sony's own games, and marks a significant shift in how games are distributed and sold.

Jacob Navok, former director of business development at Square Enix and current CEO of Genvid, responded to this announcement with a detailed analysis on Twitter/X. He argued that the move could lead to lower prices for consumers on the PlayStation Store. His reasoning is based on the idea that competition between publishers, not between digital storefronts, drives pricing pressure. In a digital-only environment, publishers compete directly on the same platform, which historically leads to more frequent sales and dynamic pricing, similar to what is seen on Steam.

Navok pointed to the example of Final Fantasy 16 on Steam, where the price gradually decreased over time due to competitive pressure among publishers. He predicts that as PlayStation becomes fully digital, this trend will accelerate, resulting in more aggressive pricing strategies. However, he also acknowledged that cheaper games would not offset all downsides, such as concerns about digital ownership rights and the loss of physical options for collectors and those without reliable internet access.

The announcement has sparked debate among gamers and industry observers. While some see potential benefits in lower prices and convenience, others worry about the implications for game preservation, resale markets, and consumer choice. Sony's decision is part of a broader industry trend toward digital distribution, but it is one of the most decisive moves yet, as it eliminates physical media entirely for a major console platform.