Hideo Kojima Says He's "Really Sad" About PlayStation Ending Physical Games and Warns a Streaming-Only Future Is "Frightening"

The gaming community is still processing Sony's decision to end production of new physical PlayStation game discs in 2028, and one of the industry's biggest creative voices has now weighed in.

Hideo Kojima, the legendary creator of Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, shared his thoughts on the move, and it's clear he isn't happy about what it could mean for the future of game ownership.

For collectors, preservationists, and anyone who enjoys actually owning the games they buy, Sony's announcement hit hard. Physical media has always offered something digital purchases can't fully replace.

You can display it, lend it to friends, sell it later, or simply know that it's sitting on your shelf regardless of what happens online. Kojima believes moving even further toward a streaming-focused future could create even bigger problems.

Speaking during the Il Cinema in Piazza film festival, Kojima explained why the news has been weighing on him.

"Since production is ending in 2028, this is about video games, but I grew up with physical media, so I find it really sad," he begins. "Currently, I've been buying up a lot of Blu-rays, such as various movies, and CDs too.

"The situation is different for games, as they are downloaded to the hard drive, that means the game data remains on your own hardware. However, if things shift to streaming in the future, that won't be the case anymore."

While digital downloads still leave players with game data stored on their own systems, Kojima worries that streaming changes the relationship between consumers and the media they love.

Using services like Netflix as an example, he explained how the model works, saying: "There is a server somewhere, and you essentially just have the right to turn the tap, and when you do, the data flows out."

The issue, he says, is that subscribers never actually own what they're watching or playing. He explained: "The consequence of that is that you don't actually possess the data yourself."

That's where Kojima sees the biggest risk. Access to entertainment becomes entirely dependent on whoever controls the servers and whether that content continues to be offered.

As he explained: "With nations, politics and various ways of thinking, one naturally has to consider the possibility that if there is a change, the data inside will stop being distributed," Kojima says. "And if that happens you won't be able to watch or play the movies and games you like. That is what is frightening."

It's a concern that goes well beyond gaming. Kojima believes the same situation could eventually affect movies as physical formats continue to disappear.

"So, what is happening to video games in 2028, might also happen to movies," he adds. "I'd like everyone to keep that in mind."

Kojima isn't the only developer raising concerns. Following Sony's announcement, several creators and publishers spoke out about the impact the decision could have on game preservation, ownership, and consumer choice. Michael Douse, publishing director at Larian Studios, even described the situation as "heartbreaking."

At this point, though, a reversal seems highly unlikely. Reports indicate Sony already has new plans for the disc manufacturing facilities, shifting production toward microlenses after reportedly investing €30 million into the technology.

Whether you prefer digital downloads or shelves lined with game cases, Kojima's comments tap into a concern many players have shared for years. Streaming offers convenience, but it also places ownership in someone else's hands.

If access can disappear overnight because of licensing agreements, business decisions, or larger political events, it's easy to understand why so many people are uneasy about a future where physical media no longer exists.

For gamers who still enjoy collecting discs, preserving gaming history, or simply knowing they'll always have access to the titles they've purchased, Kojima's warning will probably resonate long after PlayStation's 2028 deadline arrives.