- GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen says Sony’s decision to end physical game production is ‘totally irrelevant’ to the company
- The statement is supported by both physical and digital games, which only contribute 18% to the total revenue
- Cohen’s comments are unlikely to help gamers in their efforts to keep physical game discs
The backlash against Sony continues after its controversial choice to stop new physical disc production of PlayStation games from January 2028, and it appears that America’s largest dedicated video game retailer is not taking a stand.
In an interview with Bloomberg, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen dismissed the idea that the company will be affected by Sony’s decision to end physical game copies, stating “it doesn’t matter at all,” despite ongoing consumer outcry.
“It mattered in the past; software is less than 12% of the business,” Cohen said. “Collectibles make up over half of the business, so it’s completely irrelevant.”
Frankly, it’s a harsh and cold stance, but it’s not exactly wrong, as Bloomberg points out that both physical and digital copies of games only make up 18% of GameStop’s total revenue. The store has mostly shifted to focus on collectables such as Pokémon card, and it’s evident the moment you visit its website.
It’s no secret that Sony’s decision to end disc production in 2028 has not gone down well with most consumers, as many feel it is a direct threat to game ownership. A digital-only console means that games (or other media) can be taken away from players at any time, and Sony has done just that recently with over 500 purchased movies removed from user libraries.
In essence, GameStop’s rationale for the end of game discs being irrelevant is similar to Sony’s, as Sony highlighted the fact that most gamers buy copies digitally in its announcement.
Despite that, the consensus among consumers is that the elimination of disks is quite unnecessary, only cutting off another possibility of purchase. It’s also worth noting that prices for games on the PlayStation Store won’t be as low as they would normally be via second-hand or video game dealers.
Sony has yet to address the matter since the announcement, even with the large amount of backlash it’s receiving online, and gamers will likely hope that statements from CEOs like Cohen won’t hurt the fight to keep physical game copies.
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