GoKawiilEx-Sony PlayStation chief Kutaragi backs Sony's end to disc production
Ken Kutaragi, who led development of the original PlayStation, PS2 and PS3, told VGC at a conference in Middlesbrough that he understands fan anger but doesn't see keeping physical discs as economically viable. He argued that attachment to discs is largely a 'mentality issue,' comparing modern consoles to smartphones where users trust their content persists online without physical media.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Kutaragi's comments carry weight given his historical role at Sony, but he left the company in 2007 and now runs his own businesses, so his view is personal rather than official. His remarks also highlight a tension Sony itself has acknowledged in court, where it has argued consumers only license digital games rather than own them, a legal stance that could matter more to players than nostalgia for discs.
- Kutaragi supports Sony's move to end disc production starting January 2028.
- He frames resistance to digital-only consoles as largely psychological rather than practical.
- His comments underscore the gap between consumer expectations of ownership and Sony's legal position on digital licensing.
Sony PlayStation 5 Console — With the disc-vs-digital debate heating up, it's a great time to consider the PS5 itself, especially the digital edition if you're ready to embrace all-digital gaming like Kutaragi suggests. Sony's latest console offers fast load times and a huge digital library that stays tied to your account, no shelf space required.
See Sony PlayStation 5 Console on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Luke James, 2026-10-24
Published there as: “'Father of the PlayStation' Ken Kutaragi sides with Sony on the physical discs debate”
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