'Sony's Hearing a Lot of the Feedback from Customers': NIS America Boss Weighs in on PS5 Disc Debate
NIS America is continuing to advocate for physical media releases despite Sony's plans to phase out physical discs by 2028. While the company acknowledges the possibility of moving to 'codes in a box,' they remain hopeful that customer feedback might influence Sony's long-term strategy.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing tension between digital-first platform holders and niche publishers who rely on physical collector's editions for their business model.
Behemoth publishers like SEGA and Capcom have indicated they’re not particularly fussed about Sony’s decision to cease manufacturing physical media in 2028.
But it’s interesting to hear from companies like NIS America, who have built elaborate collector’s editions into their business model.
The company will often flog these through its own store , and they represent an important part of its bottom line. It’s even recently moved away from controversial Game Key Cards on Switch 2, reflecting the demand of its customers for proper physical releases.
At PAX West earlier this year, Kotaku spoke with boss Kenzo Saruhashi, who had some interesting insight to share into his conversations with Sony.
While he admitted he didn’t know much more than consumers like you and I, he said that his company intends “to continue making physical editions and delivering the exceptional quality that our customers are expecting of us” first and foremost.
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