Anthony Foster, owner of Next Level Game Exchange in Saskatoon, says PlayStation's decision to stop producing physical games will hurt local businesses and collectors. The move, announced by Sony in June 2026, ends production of disc-based games for PlayStation consoles.
Local Impact on Game Stores
Foster, who has run the store for over a decade, estimates that 40% of his sales come from used physical games. 'We rely on trade-ins and reselling discs. If there are no new physical games, that pipeline dries up,' he said. He added that many customers prefer physical copies for collecting and gifting.
Industry Concerns
Other Saskatchewan game retailers echo Foster's concerns. 'Digital downloads don't have the same resale value. You can't lend or trade a digital game,' said a manager at a Regina game store. The shift could also affect employment in the sector, as stores may need fewer staff for inventory management.
Consumer Reaction
Some gamers welcome the change, citing convenience. However, a survey by the Entertainment Software Association found that 35% of Canadian gamers still buy physical games. 'I like having the case and disc. It feels like I own it,' said Saskatoon gamer Mike Tran.
Future of Physical Media
PlayStation's move follows a trend toward digital distribution, but analysts say physical games will remain for collectors. 'There's still a market for limited editions and retro games,' said industry analyst Laura Chen. Foster plans to focus on retro and imported games to adapt.
