The Rebellion Is Getting To Them

Sony’s Physical Disc Backlash (Target: 2028)

Sony’s plan to phase out physical PlayStation game discs by 2028 is facing sustained backlash. The video argues that this pressure is beginning to affect Sony internally.

Key Points Raised in the Video

Physical sales remain meaningful

The video highlights analytics cited by Rhys Elliott / Analia Analytics, noting that for Marvel’s Wolverine, 22.9% of sales were physical. The argument is that Sony’s commitment to “stop selling physical media” overlooks how many customers still actively buy discs.

Sony reportedly responds to backlash via surveys

The video claims Sony is gathering direct feedback by sending large surveys to developers to assess their views after the backlash.

• It references a report by Digitiero dated Sept. 25, 2026, and says the information is based on Tom from Moore’s Law Is Dead.
• Tom alleges this survey is among the largest Sony has ever distributed, suggesting Sony is concerned enough to solicit developer input directly.
• The survey is described as indirectly asking whether there’s a problem with how games are sold physically—i.e., feedback on moving away from discs.

Potential impact on partnerships and incentives

The video argues that Sony’s leverage comes primarily from software and developer relationships, not from hardware profits. If developers become unhappy—or if negative sentiment grows—Sony could face downstream business consequences.

It also suggests Sony may not have anticipated how long and intense the protests would last, and that the issue could affect:

• marketing
• brand perception
• competitive positioning

Additional signs of pressure

The video points to other examples of public backlash driving change:

• Bungie example: It references Bungie’s decision not to fully end Destiny, portraying it as a precedent for how pressure can force adjustments.
• CEO/developer conversations: It claims some CEOs/developers are in discussions with Sony about physical media (including an example from a Disgaea developer CEO). The quote is framed as optimism that Sony is “listening” to customer feedback.
• PS5 community surveys: Separately, the video notes PS5 community surveys reported via PushSquare. These reportedly encourage users to evaluate the PS5 generally and share impressions, though they are said not to focus exclusively on discs.

Overall Conclusion (as Framed by the Video)

The video presents the surveys and reported conversations as “rebellion” working—evidence that protests are producing results, at least in part.

However, it repeatedly emphasizes uncertainty about Sony’s final outcome: whether Sony will reverse course or remain stubborn.

Presenters or Contributors

• Yong Yea (main presenter)
• Rhys Elliott (referenced contributor/source)
• Tom (head/host of Moore’s Law Is Dead, referenced via podcast)
• Tom from Moore’s Law Is Dead (also referenced as appearing on Broken Silicon podcast)
• CEO of the Disgaea developer (referenced interview/quote)