New PlayStation games will no longer be released on discs from January 2028, the gaming giant has announced.

Sony said in a blog post, external new games would still be able to be bought in shops, but they would come with a digital code.

It comes just days after Rockstar announced the hotly-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI would similarly launch without a physical disc.

It marks a significant moment for the gaming industry, which has in recent years begun to rely more and more on digital distribution.

Sony said the move came “as consumer preferences and the broader entertainment industry continue to shift away from physical discs to digital”.

“This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs,” it added.

But it has been met with some pushback online, with gaming journalist Vikki Blake calling it a “body blow to consumer rights”.

“It’s of huge concern for game conservation and a massive problem for gamers with lower disposable incomes who rely on part-exchanging or loaning games from friends to keep up with the AAA price tags,” she said.

“Just one console cycle ago, Sony made a tongue-in-cheek advert about how easy it is to share games on PS4 as a dig at competitor, Xbox.

“It’s not funny anymore, is it?”

The firm said the move would have no impact on games which are already released, or would be released before January 2028.

Gamers previously told the BBC they were concerned about GTA being released without a disc – with one criticising it as this meant they would not be able to lend the game to a friend or sell it on.

The BBC has asked Sony whether it plans on making it possible to transfer ownership of a digital game in the future, in light of this announcement.

The firm has yet to comment.

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