- Sony's decision to end new PlayStation discs from 2028 has sparked significant backlash, leading to a one-week boycott called #PSBlackout from August 23 to 30 organized by DoesItPlay.
- On August 18, Sony sent a terms of service reminder email to PlayStation users, which many received despite not using their consoles for months.
- The email included details about the PlayStation Terms of Service, stating that software is licensed, not sold, and restricted users from renting or modifying games.
- DoesItPlay, a community dedicated to video game preservation, is urging players to turn off their consoles or log out of the PlayStation Network during the #PSBlackout.
- The protest is fueled by concerns over Sony's shift towards digital-only releases, which many gamers feel undermines ownership rights.
- Critics argue that the planned boycott may not be effective, as the last week of August is considered ordinary with no major PlayStation-related launches.
DoesItPlay, a community focused on video game preservation, is spearheading a one-week boycott of PlayStation, known as #PSBlackout, from August 23-30. This protest arises amid Sony's announcement to cease new PlayStation disc production by 2028, prompting concerns over digital ownership rights.4
Participants are urged to log off, refrain from purchases, and cancel subscriptions during the boycott. The timing of the protest coincides with an email sent to users reminding them of their limited ownership rights, stating, "The Software is licensed to you, not sold", which has sparked further discontent among players.
Despite the call for action, some skeptics argue that the boycott may not significantly impact Sony, as the last week of August is typically uneventful for gaming releases. “Ordinary” conditions and the concurrent Gamescom event may lead many gamers to be preoccupied elsewhere.
In response to the digital shift, some users have suggested more drastic measures, such as mass cancellations of PSN subscriptions or refunds for pre-ordered digital games, arguing that a limited-time boycott lacks effectiveness. “A boycott or blackout with an expiry date is meaningless,” one user commented, highlighting the need for more substantial actions against Sony's policies.
Sony's CFO, Lin Tao, defended the move towards digitalization, stating, “The digitalisation of content overall has been progressing, that's the big factor.”
“The email, sent August 18, reminds users that software is 'licensed, not sold,' and several recipients said they received it despite not touching their consoles in months. Sony CFO Lin Tao cited 'digitalisation of content' as the key reason for the shift.”
Eurogamer
