Sony Moves Toward Digital-Only PlayStation Games from 2028
Sony has confirmed its plan to stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games. The company announced this shift earlier, which sparked significant backlash from fans. However, Sony is proceeding with the decision despite the criticism.
Reports now show major changes at Sony’s key disc production facility. Austrian publication ORF Salzburg, via The Verge, revealed ongoing restructuring at the Thalgau plant in Salzburg, Austria. This site serves as the headquarters for Sony DADC, the company’s disc-making division. It currently manufactures up to 600,000 discs per day.
According to Sony DADC CEO Dietmar Tanzer, production will drop sharply starting in 2028. He explained that PlayStation currently accounts for about 50 percent of the plant’s volume. Only around 20 percent of that comes from new orders. As a result, this segment will represent just 10 percent of total volume by 2028.
Sony’s PlayStation Games Go Digital-Only From 2028
Sony Disc Facility to Be Restructured
The Thalgau facility will shift focus away from discs. Instead, it will begin producing optical microlenses. Sony recently invested 30 million euros in new technology for this purpose. Moreover, the company plans to start microlens production as early as next year.
Importantly, the 300 employees at the plant will keep their jobs. Sony will retrain them for the new production line. Workers received this update this week. In fact, the facility has already withdrawn some staff from disc production as part of a test run.
The Thalgau plant opened in 1991. It has long served as Sony’s main hub for physical discs in the games, video, and music markets. Sony DADC now aims to expand into new and emerging technology areas.
Optical microlenses are small components that help control light. Manufacturers use them in smartphone cameras, VR headsets, and similar devices.
Sony will continue producing game discs for both older and newer titles until January 2028. After that date, new PlayStation games will appear only in digital format through the PlayStation Store and retailers. The company made this move because consumers increasingly prefer digital downloads. Analysts note that physical discs now make up only about 20 percent of total game sales.
The restructuring at Thalgau suggests Sony remains committed to its digital-first strategy. It is still unclear how these changes will affect Blu-ray and CD production for video and music. Additionally, reports indicate that Microsoft may follow a similar path with its next-generation Xbox console.
This transition marks a major step in the gaming industry’s shift toward digital distribution.