Ken Kutaragi, widely regarded as the driving force behind the original PlayStation, pushed the console forward despite resistance within Sony. Decades after the PS1 established the brand as a major force in premium console gaming, he believes the industry’s move away from physical game discs is understandable.
Kutaragi acknowledged that a disc represents more than a delivery format for many players. It has become a symbol of ownership and a tangible connection to a game. In an interview told VGC, he compared the situation with smartphones, where users generally accept network-delivered content without expecting a physical copy.
His view is that this difference comes down to consumer expectations rather than a technical necessity. Kutaragi said he understood why players were unhappy, but questioned whether maintaining physical media remained economically practical.
Sony is committed to moving away from PlayStation discs in 2028, yet many long-time fans remain opposed to the change. For players who grew up with late-1990s and 2000s games, opening a case, removing a disc and placing it in the console is closely tied to the experience of playing those titles.
The debate is not only about sentiment. Physical purchases give players a clearer sense of ownership and control, while an entirely digital model can leave publishers with greater power over access to games that customers have paid for. A US congressman has proposed legislation intended to regulate digital game sales and clarify whether buyers actually own the products they purchase.
Although Kutaragi has been away from PlayStation for almost 20 years, he expects the wider industry to continue shifting from dedicated hardware towards cloud gaming. Rising component costs are adding pressure to that transition.
He also noted that Sony Interactive Entertainment now includes people with backgrounds at Gaikai and other streaming businesses. That experience may encourage a broader view of PlayStation as a connected content terminal rather than solely a games console. Kutaragi suggested this direction explains some of the friction between platform holders and enthusiasts.
Why physical games still matter to players
The argument reflects a wider question facing the games industry: is access enough, or should buying a game provide lasting control over it? Digital libraries are convenient, but they can depend on online services, account systems and decisions made by platform operators.
For Australian players considering how to preserve their gaming setup, the same ownership concerns often extend to dedicated hardware. Our Arcade Machine Buying Guide covers the practical questions involved in choosing a cabinet, while arcade machines offer a way to keep physical, self-contained gaming at the centre of a room.
Those planning a smaller setup can also explore bartop arcades. For owners maintaining older equipment, arcade parts provide another reminder that repairability and long-term control remain important values in gaming.
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