PS5 disc edition. (Image: Getty Images)
Sony has issued a new statement in the ongoing saga of its decision to stop production of physical games from January 2028, and it’s proving to have riled up PS5 gamers in a big way.
As reported by Game File, Sony has argued that its current consumer disclaimers make it obvious that gamers don’t own the digital games they purchase. In Sony’s own words as stated in a filing in California’s Northern District Court, “reasonable consumers would not be misled” by the current wording of their agreements.
The Californian lawsuit was brought forward by a bunch of gamers who argue that Sony’s current customer disclosures aren’t clear enough. They claim that most gamers wouldn’t know they’re purchasing a license for a digital game rather than outright ownership.
As such, the group claims that Sony is in breach of a 2025 Californian law which compels companies to make it “clear and conspicuous” that customers are buying a license rather than a straight up product.
Right now, Sony gives gamers a link to two different documents when purchasing a product on the PlayStation Store. Those are the PlayStation Terms of Service and the Software Product License Agreement.
In those documents, players are warned, “you can use a product in the ways described in the license, but do not own the product.”
It also reads: “The Software is licensed to you, not sold.”
PlayStation is doubling down on its approach to digital goods. (Image: Getty Images)
As you might expect, PS5 fans haven’t taken this statement from Sony all that well.
“What a stupid argument, and is completely in bad faith,” reads one frustrated comment on Reddit. “When I buy an original piece of art, I become the owner of that piece of art. It’s mine to do with what I please. I can hang it, I can sell it, I can deface it, I can alter it, I can even destroy it.
“When I buy a print of that art, all I own is a copy of it. I don’t own the original, and I have no claim to the original. The original still exists, is still owned by the artist, and they can continue to sell as many prints as they want.
“Now apply that to digital games.”
Another gamer argues that if Sony can revoke game licenses, then customers should be owed refunds. “They also cannot claim all the revenue generated as theirs by that logic; they don’t get to keep (or own) our money,” a comment reads.
“As soon as any digital license or rights are revoked, the money must also be given back.”
However, others are quick to defend Sony, stating that the wording of the digital licence agreements makes sense when you actually read them.
“I buy digital games as my son and I share them across two consoles. I have ALWAYS assumed that someday digital games will no longer be available for download. I also assume that if I have them on my machine they’re on it till I delete them,” reads another comment.
Meanwhile, another gamer says: “Can confirm, I’m reasonable and I’ve known we don’t own the games we purchase for over 20 years because it’s been in the terms of service literally forever. Stupid people who click accept on everything without reading it are unreasonable.”
Right now, Sony remains committed to its decision to stop producing physical games from January 2028.
