Kutaragi questions economic case for physical game discs
The PlayStation creator said he understands why players link discs to ownership, but he does not see continued disc manufacturing as economically reasonable.
Ken Kutaragi, the creator of the original PlayStation, said he understands why players associate physical discs with owning games, but he does not think continuing disc production is economically reasonable, according to gamerant.com.
Kutaragi spoke to VGC at the Game Republic New Horizons event in Middlesbrough, England. He compared physical discs for consoles to a smartphone, saying people do not consider physical media necessary for a networked device.
He also acknowledged that Sony's approach has caused friction with game enthusiasts, and suggested that people from network and streaming businesses within Sony Interactive Entertainment may view PlayStation differently from gamers.
The comments come in the context of PlayStation's plan to end disc production in January 2028. Kutaragi was behind the CD-ROM technology for Sony, created the original PlayStation and played a major role in the PS2 and PS3 before leaving the company in 2007.
Quick answers
What did Ken Kutaragi say about physical game discs?
He said he understands why players associate discs with owning games, but he does not think continuing disc production is economically reasonable.
Where did Ken Kutaragi make the comments?
He spoke to VGC at the Game Republic New Horizons event in Middlesbrough, England.
When does PlayStation plan to end disc production?
PlayStation plans to end disc production in January 2028.