Disgaea Creator Slams Sony for Scrapping Discs
Disgaea creator and former Nippon Ichi Software CEO Sohei Niikawa has spoken out against Sony’s decision to discontinue physical game discs for the PlayStation brand. The announcement, made earlier this month, has sparked a huge backlash online, with fans expressing their anger in the comments on trailers for upcoming games.
Niikawa, who was CEO of Nippon Ichi Software between 2009 and 2022, shared his thoughts on the matter during an interview at Anime Expo 2026. He was promoting his upcoming game, Demons’ Night Fever, a speedrun-training simulation RPG.
From a business perspective, Niikawa understands why Sony made the decision. However, he believes the executives responsible may not fully comprehend the value that physical game discs hold for fans. ‘I don’t think they understand the feelings of those fans, and they may never have considered what physical editions mean to the people who value them,’ Niikawa said.
He continued, ‘If they’re going to go as far as eliminating physical packages, they may as well eliminate the hardware too. A television would be enough. Why would you need the console? If you’re going to get rid of physical games, you may as well go all the way.’
A Shift to Digital Gaming
Sony’s decision to stop releasing physical game discs is part of a larger trend towards digital gaming. The company has stated that the decision is a natural direction for the brand, as consumer preferences have shifted towards digital media. However, the backlash suggests that physical media still holds significant value for many fans.
The importance of having a physical copy of a game cannot be overstated. For many, owning a game on a disc provides a sense of accomplishment and pride. It’s a tangible object that can be displayed on a shelf, serving as a reminder of the gaming experience. A disc-less box with a download code inside simply doesn’t cut it for these fans.
Niikawa’s comments are not the only ones expressing concern over Sony’s decision. Other industry figures, such as Death Stranding creator Hideo Kojima and Nier creator Yoko Taro, have also weighed in on the matter. Kojima has expressed concern over the risks to game ownership and preservation in a digital-only future, while Taro has urged fans to buy physical game releases while they still can.
The shift towards digital gaming raises questions about the value of physical game discs. With many games requiring a patch download to function properly, and some even containing only a portion of the game, the importance of physical media is called into question. From a conservationist’s point of view, the issue of games getting a disc release that is incomplete or requires a download is a growing concern.
A Niche Product?
Going forward, true physical games (where everything is actually in the box and ready to play) could become a niche, expensive product. Companies like Super Rare and Limited Run, who have a long track record of re-releasing physical games on various platforms, may be the only ones left to cater to fans who value physical media.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that the importance of physical game discs will not be forgotten. While Sony’s decision to stop releasing physical game discs may be seen as a natural direction for the brand, it’s also a reminder that there are still fans who value the tangible experience of gaming.
The question remains: will Sony offer a disc drive add-on for the upcoming PS6, or will physical game collectors be forced to stick with older hardware? Only time will tell.
A Controversy Ignored?
This week, it was claimed that Sony knew its decision to kill PlayStation 5 discs would spark outrage. The company has reportedly issued staff with the strictest social media guidelines to prevent them from commenting on the controversy. It’s a move that raises more questions than answers, and highlights the tension between the gaming industry and its fans.
