- Former Nippon Ichi Software CEO Sohei Niikawa has criticized Sony’s decision to stop production of game discs
- The Disgaea the creator says the company doesn’t “understand the emotions” of physical game fans
- He adds, “If they’re going to go so far as to eliminate physical packages, they might as well eliminate the hardware”
Former Nippon Ichi Software CEO and creator of the tactical RPG video game series DisgaeaSohei Niikawa, has objected to Sony’s plan to end disc production, saying the company might as well eliminate hardware as well.
Sony announced its decision earlier this month, calling it a “natural direction” for the company, which will take effect in January 2028. It means PlayStation owners will not be able to buy discs for new games in the future.
Fans have been vocal about their anger at the decision and have called on Sony to change its mind. Even former PlayStation Worldwide Studios boss Shawn Layden has called the plan to move all-digital “a pretty dramatic decision.”
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Now, speaking to Noisy Pixel at Anime Expo 2026, Niikawa has also criticized Sony, saying that while he understands the plan “From a purely business perspective,” it will hurt PlayStation fans.
“I think physical editions of games are very important,” Niikawa said, explaining that fans who buy physical copies can have “a lot of value” and memories, and can even be taken to events to be signed by their creators.
“Physical games are important because they can carry that kind of meaning,” he said.
“I can understand why people at Sony would make that decision. But the executives who made that decision have probably never experienced coming to an event like Anime Expo and having someone approach them with a physical game to ask for an autograph.
“I don’t think they understand the feelings of those fans, and maybe they’ve never considered what physical editions mean to the people who value them.”
He added: “If they’re going to go as far as eliminating physical packages, they might as well eliminate the hardware too. A television would be enough. Why would you use the console? If you’re going to get rid of physical games, you might as well go all the way.”
For now, Sony is standing by its decision and analysts have stated that they will not change their mind, despite the backlash, arguing that “Digital is just too lucrative” in the current business.
Circana’s Mat Piscatella also believes that Sony is taking advantage of the current digital market, recently reporting that only seven PlayStation games have sold more than 100,000 physical units year-to-date in the US.
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