PlayStation Fans Announce #PSBlackout Protest Over Physical Disc Decision

A group of PlayStation community creators has announced the #PSBlackout campaign in response to Sony Interactive Entertainment's recently revealed plans to phase out physical discs for future game releases. The initiative calls on PlayStation users to avoid Sony's platforms for one week as a form of protest.

According to the organizers, the blackout is scheduled to run from August 23 at 7:00 PM (local time) until August 30 at 7:00 PM (local time). Participants are encouraged not to log into PlayStation Network, play games on PlayStation consoles, or make purchases through Sony's digital services during the seven-day period.

The campaign argues that moving away from physical media reduces consumer ownership and prioritizes digital sales. Organizers are also calling on Sony to strengthen its support for the PlayStation community and revive dormant franchises, including Twisted Metal, SOCOM, Sly Cooper, and Resistance.

The protest follows widespread criticism of Sony's announcement regarding the future of physical game releases. According to the campaign organizers, the company's post on X became one of the platform's most negatively received gaming-related announcements.

In parallel with the social media campaign, the "Don't Kill the Disc" petition on Change.org has continued to gain traction, surpassing 345,000 verified signatures from players opposing the transition away from physical game distribution.

At the time of writing, Sony Interactive Entertainment has not publicly responded to the #PSBlackout campaign or the growing petition.