Sony Axing Game Discs Will Have Outsized Impact on Low-Income Gamers, Experts Say

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According to reporting by Decrypt Financial Technology, Experts say a disc-free PlayStation will price out low-income players, while in much of Africa, digital-only gaming means breaking Sony’s rules.

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Sony Axing Game Discs Will Have Outsized Impact on Low-Income Gamers, Experts Say

Gamers in low-income areas will be among the hardest hit by Sony’s decision to stop producing physical game discs from 2028, experts told Decrypt , while one African games industry expert arguing the continent stands to lose out badly.

The secondary market has long been a cheap way for gamers to get hold of games. The PlayStation Store does run sales, but buying digitally assumes a decent internet connection, which rural households are less likely to have.

"By abandoning physical discs, some players at the bottom of the economic spectrum lose access to physical distribution through retail and, more importantly, discounted used sales," Joost van Dreunen, professor at the NYU Stern School of Business and video game business author , told Decrypt . "It won't immediately show up in the financials of major game makers, since their focus is now on creating premium experiences for a luxury class of gamers."

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Source & Verification Provenance

Information in this article was compiled directly from records provided by Decrypt Financial Technology. Access the primary source document at: https://decrypt.co/382714/sony-axing-game-discs-will-have-outsized-impact-on-low-income-gamers-experts-say. Reporting and editorial review conducted by the USA NOW News Desk.