[Academic survey] Disc production ends for new PlayStation games in 2028: do you feel you “own” your digital games? (5 min, anonymous)
Abstract. In July 2026, Sony announced it will stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games from January 2028. Together with the “licensed, not sold” terms of digital stores, this raises a question about what it means to own a game. We are studying how players perceive these changes: their buying habits, their sense of ownership, their trust in platform holders, and whether they would consider other platforms.
Who we are. Two undergraduate students at Universidad Externado de Colombia (Bogotá), for a course assignment on analyzing current events.
About the survey. About 5 minutes, English or Spanish, anonymous (we collect no names or emails), 18+ only. No compensation is offered. Results will be used in an academic assignment and reported in aggregate, and we are happy to share them in this thread afterwards.
Discussion points (feel free to answer here even if you skip the survey):
- Does the end of physical discs change what “owning” a game means to you?
- How much do used games and resale matter to how you buy and play?
- Who should be responsible for keeping old games playable: companies, the law, or archives?
- Would this affect which platform you choose next?
Our working hypotheses (hidden so as not to lead your answers): >!We expect most players to feel they don’t fully own their digital games, and that this perception is stronger among people who buy used games.!<
Survey link: Encuesta académica: el fin de los discos de PlayStation y las licencias digitales: Rellenar formulario