Sony Doubles Down On Axing Physical Support By Shifting Its Largest Production Operation To Optical Microlenses

There have been major changes that unfolded for PlayStation in the past week. One of the largest reveals is that PlayStation 3 & PlayStation Vita servers are officially sunsetting. The decision will be fully implemented by 2027. Additionally, it was revealed that over 500 movies & shows are to be removed due to licensing expiring come September 2026 – including those who purchased the media.

Elsewhere, AI is also being ushered to the spotlight by corporate Sony as well. In its annual earnings, the firm disclosed that machine learning will aid to properly “unleash the creativity” for PlayStation. But what has yet to settle is the news regarding its physical releases. Come 2028, operations will cease for the platform in shipping physical copies for its titles.

On the topic of whether PlayStation will step back on its decision, it does not look likely. The firm did it in the past when it attempted to kill PS3 & PS Vita in 2021. But according to one report by ORF.at, it does not look likely to happen. Transcribed by Video Game Chronicle, it is understood that its largest production plant for Sony’s optical media is being restructured for new tech assembly.

It is disclosed that at least 300 employees were instructed by Sony as part of a reassignment to work on new equipment that will replace optical media players. Extensive retraining is said to take place in anticipation for manufacturing optical microlenses which will go into full production by 2027. It is reported that roughly €30 million has been invested into the DADC plant for this new effort.

In the time that followed PlayStation’s decision to put its physical production on a time limit, publishers have spoken against it publicly. From IAm8Bit, it has expressed deep disappointment on the decision and is a sentiment that is shared broadly amongst other companies as well as countless users online as well. You can read the full report by heading here.

Are you surprised by this new development on PlayStation’s physical plans?

Source: ORF.at