Former PlayStation Boss Says Disc-Free Future Is Depressing

Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden says a physical-disc future is possible if Sony lets third-party manufacturers press game discs.

As physical media continues to be phased out in favor of an all-digital future, many still hope for a path forward. Of course, Sony has confirmed it will stop producing physical PlayStation discs beginning in 2028.

That decision has put even more spotlight on the topic, and now a former PlayStation executive is weighing in on how he would sustain physical game discs.

Shawn Layden Says PlayStation Disc Future Is ‘Solvable’

In an interview with the Game (by Pad and Pixel) Substack, Shawn Layden, Game Industry Strategic Advisor and the former chairman of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, calling it ‘depressing, but solvable.’ Furthermore, he stated that Sony could find a way to license the disc-making process to third parties.

“And unless they decide or determine a way to license that to some of these bespoke disc manufacturers, there’s no way to make it happen,” he said.

Sony continues to double down on its decision, reminding players that digital licenses are not owned by them. It has also instituted a new customer harassment policy to protect its employees from online harassment.

Insider Gaming continues to monitor all things regarding physical media in 2026. We will bring you any further notable comments on the topic in the future. How do you feel about these comments from Shawn Layden? Sound off about this story and all others in our official Discord server.

For more, check out XBOX CEO Asha Sharma’s comments on a disc-less future. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.