PS5 Fans Slam Sony’s 2028 Disc Exit as New “It Happens on PS5” Ad Backfires
Sony’s latest PlayStation 5 promotional push is drawing fresh backlash online, with many users pointing to the company’s decision to move away from physical game discs on PlayStation consoles starting in 2028.
Key takeaways
- Sony launched an international PS5 campaign led by the trailer “It Happens on PS5.”
- Criticism is being renewed around Sony’s plan to end disc support on PS5 and PS6 starting in 2028.
- Commenters say the new PS5 spot is being drowned out by ongoing arguments about physical game preservation.
- Some users have speculated Sony may be using bots to counter negative reactions.
- Community debate appears to have continued for weeks since the disc-support decision was announced.
New PS5 ad becomes another flashpoint over disc support
Even though Sony is promoting its ecosystem ahead of major upcoming releases—including Grand Theft Auto 6, plus future PlayStation exclusives such as Marvel’s Wolverine and God of War titles—the new PS5 marketing spot has not escaped the controversy surrounding discs.
The campaign, promoted with the “It Happens on PS5” trailer, is being targeted by players who remain unhappy about Sony’s move to stop using physical discs on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 6 beginning in 2028. The criticism is framed as part of a broader pattern: prior Sony communication efforts have similarly faced negative reaction from fans.
Unclear timeline for the backlash to cool
Because multiple weeks have passed since Sony announced the end of disc support, there is currently no clear indication of when—if ever—the controversy will subside. The ongoing tone of the discussion suggests that the issue remains emotionally and practically important for parts of the community, particularly players who value physical ownership.
Amid the backlash, some commenters have raised the possibility that Sony could be using bots to defend itself against criticism. However, the source material does not provide any confirmed evidence of such activity.
Why this matters for collectors and the used market
The dispute is also tied to the expected impact of disc removal on long-term collection habits and the broader second-hand game ecosystem. With Sony’s plan pointing to 2028 for the change on both PS5 and PS6, players are continuing to weigh what the end of physical media could mean for availability, preservation, and resale.
