For months, the message seemed clear: PlayStation’s future was digital. Now, Sony is reportedly asking game developers what they think about that future.
According to multiple reports, PlayStation has circulated a lengthy survey to developers that includes questions about physical game sales and the company’s decision to stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games starting in January 2028.
The reported survey comes after months of criticism from players and concerns from parts of the games industry following Sony’s announcement that new PlayStation releases will move to a digital-only format beginning in 2028.
A very big survey
The claims originate from content creator Tom of the YouTube channel “Moore’s Law Is Dead,” who discussed the reported survey on the “Broken Silicon” podcast.
According to Tom, sources told him Sony sent what may be one of the largest developer surveys the company has ever distributed. He claimed the questionnaire included a question that, in an indirect way, asked developers whether there are issues with how PlayStation sells games physically and sought feedback on the decision to eliminate discs.
Neither Sony nor PlayStation has publicly confirmed the existence of the survey. Several reports noted that the claims currently rely on information attributed to industry contacts.
The backlash over discs
Sony announced in July that it would end physical disc production for new PlayStation games beginning in January 2028, describing the move as part of a shift toward digital purchasing habits.
The decision sparked a strong response from collectors, players, and preservation advocates. According to reports, petitions opposing the move gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures, while the preservation-focused community “Does It Play?” organized the #PSBlackout campaign in protest.
Reports from Gamescom also suggested that some developers were unhappy with the decision, adding industry concerns to the growing public criticism.
Sony’s stance has not changed
Despite the reported survey, Sony’s official position appears unchanged.
In a July investor Q&A, Chief Financial Officer Lin Tao acknowledged the emotional attachment many players have to physical games and said the company understands those feelings. However, she also indicated that Sony intends to continue moving forward with its plans for a digital future.
That means the survey, if genuine, may be less about changing course and more about understanding how developers feel about the transition.
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