Australian PlayStation fans: if you're unhappy about Sony ending physical games, consider lodging a complaint with the ACCC.
The concern is that once physical games disappear, Australians are left with digital licences that may not provide the same practical rights as owning a physical copy. Physical games can be kept, lent, resold and preserved. Digital licences can be subject to account restrictions, licensing changes or service shutdowns.
The ACCC has previously stood up for Australian gamers. Many of you will remember that the ACCC successfully took action against Steam, resulting in Australian consumers receiving refund rights under Australian Consumer Law.
If enough people are concerned about digital ownership, it's worth asking the ACCC to examine whether consumers are receiving adequate protections when physical ownership is no longer an option.
You can submit a complaint here:
https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/contact-us-or-report-an-issue/report-a-consumer-issue
Feel free to copy and paste the following into the complaint form:
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I wish to lodge a complaint regarding Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to cease selling physical PlayStation games and move to a digital-only model.
My concern is not the existence of digital games, but the loss of consumer choice and ownership. Physical games allow Australians to keep, lend, resell and access products without relying entirely on an online account or digital service. Digital games are generally supplied under licences that may be restricted or revoked, meaning consumers may not receive the same practical rights as with physical copies.
I ask the ACCC to investigate whether digital games marketed as "purchases" accurately reflect the rights consumers receive under Australian Consumer Law, and whether the removal of physical media leaves consumers with adequate protections if access to purchased games is lost through account issues, licensing changes or service shutdowns.
I appreciate Sony's right to choose its distribution model, but I believe Australian consumers deserve clear ownership rights and meaningful protections when physical ownership is no longer an option.