In the United States, a game preservation group named Does It Play? has initiated a protest against Sony's decision to cease the production of physical PlayStation game discs by 2028. This protest, dubbed PSBlackout, is set to take place over a week, starting on Sunday, August 23rd. The group is encouraging console owners to refrain from logging into, playing, or purchasing any content on PlayStation-related platforms during this period. The aim of the protest is to make Sony reconsider its plans and to highlight the importance of physical game preservation in an increasingly digital gaming landscape.
The decision to end the production of physical game discs has raised concerns among gamers and preservationists alike. Many believe that physical copies of games are essential for preserving gaming history and ensuring that classic titles remain accessible to future generations. The shift towards digital-only gaming has been a growing trend in the industry, but it has also sparked debates about ownership, access, and the longevity of digital content. Critics argue that once a game is only available digitally, it can be removed from platforms at any time, leaving players without access to their purchased content.
The PSBlackout protest is a response to these concerns, as Does It Play? aims to give Sony a