For the past few years, the all-digital future in gaming has been a hot-button topic within the world of gaming. This issue has become even more pressing over recent months as PlayStation recently announced that, as of 2028, it will no longer be producing physical games. Rightfully so, the gaming community at large has not taken too kindly to this news, with organizations such as Stop Killing Games and DoesItPlay? launching a lawsuit against Sony to combat this decision.
An All Digital Lawsuit
Stop Killing Games is a movement that has gained traction in recent weeks, whose primary goal is to challenge the legality of game publishers destroying games that were already sold to consumers. DoesItPlay? Is also organizing a PlayStation blackout towards the end of August to protest Sony’s choice to abandon physical media. And it now looks like these two groups are joining forces in a lawsuit that is currently being filed in the Netherlands.
Stop Killing Games and DoesItPlay? announced their support for Stichting Massachade & Consummate in its lawsuit against Sony regarding the company’s complete control over PlayStation Store pricing. Additionally, a video was shared recently from Stichting Massachade & Consummate titled “It’s time to sue Sony, join us.”
The video in question speaks more about how physical games are becoming cheaper than digital games and the premise behind it. The video also states that Sony has a monopoly on all digital game sales on PlayStation, and the system has been specifically designed to buy these digital games from Sony’s own store. This choice will also allow PlayStation to box out any competition, leading to customers having to pay more, which at times is claimed to be around 47% more on average.
You Have Been Served
There is a lot of nuance around the all-digital future in gaming, with many unresolved issues still rearing their ugly head. At first glance, it is very easy to download your games at a moment’s notice. Outside of that, there is a far more grim picture to be painted. The uncertainty of ownership and consumer choice are the two pressing issues driving opposition to this change. And it has become very clear based on the community’s reaction that the gaming world may never be fully ready to adopt this lifestyle. Hopefully, efforts by organizations like this don’t fall on deaf ears at PlayStation, and, at the very least, nudge them to look themselves in the mirror and reconsider their strategy for the all-digital future of gaming.
