Ex-PlayStation Boss Shawn Layden Slams Sony's Plan to End Physical Discs
Layden said dropping discs shifts the question from whether players own a game to whether they merely have access to a digital asset.
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden has criticized Sony's decision to end physical discs for PlayStation, saying players would no longer truly own their games. Layden made the comments in an interview on The Expansion Pass podcast, according to gamesradar.com.
Layden said the move changes the conversation from whether players own a game to whether they merely have access to a digital asset. He argued that if players cannot sell a game, they do not truly own it.
He also said the decision could cause a significant brand and reputation hit for Sony.
Layden joined Sony in 1987 and later became chairman of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios. He retired from his position at Sony in 2019.
He has previously estimated that around 80% of players download games while 20% buy them physically.
Quick answers
What did Shawn Layden say about Sony ending physical discs?
He said he does not agree with the decision, that it shifts the question from game ownership to mere access to a digital asset, and that Sony could face a significant brand and reputation hit.
Where did Shawn Layden make these comments?
In an interview on The Expansion Pass podcast.
When did Shawn Layden leave Sony?
He retired from his position at Sony in 2019. He had joined the company in 1987 and later became chairman of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios.