Sony’s decision to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028 continues to spark criticism across the gaming community. While online backlash has been constant since the announcement, major publishers have largely stayed silent. Now, the CEO of Serenity Forge has publicly defended physical games, arguing that discs remain important for both players and developers.
Sony’s Disc Strategy Continues to Divide Players
When Sony confirmed it would stop producing PlayStation game discs in January 2028, many fans saw it as confirmation that the PlayStation 6 will launch as a fully digital console. Since then, nearly every PlayStation announcement has been met with criticism from players who want physical media to remain part of gaming.
Sony later clarified that games already scheduled for physical releases before the 2028 deadline will continue to receive support. However, reports that at least one PlayStation disc manufacturing facility has already been repurposed have only fueled concerns that the transition is well underway.
Despite the online backlash, few major publishers or industry executives have publicly challenged Sony’s decision.
Serenity Forge CEO Defends Physical Games
One of the few voices willing to speak publicly is Zhenghua Yang, CEO of Serenity Forge. During an interview with Game File, Yang explained that physical releases are about far more than simply generating additional revenue.
According to Yang, physical editions help games reach audiences that may never purchase them digitally. While digital storefronts dominate the modern gaming market, boxed copies still provide visibility through retailers, collectors, and players who simply prefer owning their games.
His comments stand out because most major publishers—including Take-Two Interactive and Ubisoft—have avoided discussing Sony’s decision publicly.
Doki Doki Literature Club Is A Good Example
Serenity Forge has first-hand experience with the value of physical games.
Originally released as a free digital title in 2017 by Team Salvato, Doki Doki Literature Club became one of the most acclaimed psychological horror games ever made. Serenity Forge later partnered with Team Salvato to publish Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!, bringing an expanded version of the game to consoles alongside collector’s editions and physical retail releases.
That history gives additional weight to Yang’s argument that physical editions can expand a game’s audience rather than simply serve as another sales option.
Physical Sales Still Matter
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden previously suggested that manufacturing discs has become increasingly difficult to justify because production costs continue to rise while profit margins shrink.
Yang takes a different view.
Even if physical copies generate smaller margins than digital sales, every additional boxed copy sold represents a customer who might not have purchased the game otherwise. For smaller publishers and independent developers, those extra sales can still make a meaningful difference.
What It Means For The Industry
Sony’s move toward an all-digital future appears unlikely to change, especially as disc production gradually winds down ahead of the January 2028 deadline. However, comments from Serenity Forge highlight that physical media still offers benefits beyond simple profit calculations.
As more publishers remain silent, the debate over digital ownership, game preservation, and consumer choice is likely to continue well into the PlayStation 6 generation.
