Ken Kutaragi, known as "The Father of PlayStation," has backed Sony's controversial decision to scrap discs on PS5. Kutaragi, who ran Sony's gaming business through its first three console generations, told VGC that while he understands the backlash, it isn't “economically reasonable.”

“Although we had network capability back in the PS2 and PS3 days, it was not that common [as it is today]. Now, many, many people are connected,” he said.

“I understand that physical discs have become a metaphor for ‘owning’ games. I really understand that mentality… But nobody thinks [physical media] is necessary for a networked device like a smartphone, for example, because people feel that they will keep their content. So it’s a mentality.

“I really understand [why some people are upset], but I don’t think it’s economically reasonable. Maybe it’s a mentality issue.”

While Kutaragi noted that Sony's decision had caused friction for players, he pointed at the makeup of Sony Interactive Entertainment, which employs people from streaming services such as Gaikai. Kutaragi noted that Sony might have ambitions wider than just gaming with its all-digital plans.

He went on to suggest consoles could eventually be phased out, with platform holders utilizing streaming solutions to combat the rising price of components (thanks, AI). “We won’t need any console,” he said, before he clarified: “This isn’t an official comment from Sony Computer Entertainment!”

Under Sony’s current plans, physical discs on PlayStation consoles will be phased out entirely by 2028 . Sony reportedly knew killing PS5 discs would be a huge PR problem , but it is pressing ahead.

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