Sony

Sony announced plans to phase out physical PlayStation game discs by 2028, prompting backlash from users who signed a petition opposing the move. Critics argue digital-only formats remove consumer ownership rights and threaten jobs in physical media distribution, while Sony claims the shift aligns with growing consumer preference for digital media.

Microsoft is cutting 4,800 employees, primarily in its Xbox gaming division, as new CEO Asha Sharma admits the business is 'not healthy' and operating at unprofitable margins. The gaming industry faces broader challenges, including Sony's controversial shift to digital-only PlayStation games and a memory shortage driving up costs, while Grand Theft Auto VI's release may not resolve these systemic issues.

Microsoft is cutting 3,200 jobs from its Xbox business, with new CEO Asha Sharma stating the unit is 'not healthy.' The layoffs and divestitures follow failed growth strategies and rising costs in the video game industry, which analysts say are exacerbated by expensive game development and competition from mobile gaming.

Sony announced that new PlayStation games will be available only as digital downloads starting in 2028, marking a shift away from physical discs. The transition reflects broader industry trends toward digital entertainment, with 80% of PlayStation game purchases already being digital in recent years. The article discusses the decline of physical media and its implications for ownership, reselling, and corporate control.

GitHub, a Microsoft-owned subsidiary, offered to mail free CD-ROMs of public repositories to the first 1,000 applicants but withdrew the offer after public ridicule. The initiative, framed as a response to 'recent developments in physical media,' was speculated to mock Sony's 2028 discontinuation of optical media for PlayStation consoles. The offer included a Microsoft form for requests but was taken offline, with GitHub providing no official explanation.

Microsoft is cutting 4,800 jobs globally, including 1,600 Xbox employees, as part of a reorganization to 'reset' its gaming division. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the business is 'not healthy' due to lower profit margins compared to competitors and a 'hardware crisis' in console component costs.

Sennheiser's Momentum 5 headphones offer premium Bluetooth noise-cancelling features with improved comfort, connectivity, and a user-replaceable battery. Priced at £330 (€400/$400/A$749), they compete with Bose, Sony, and Sonos.

Sony will continue producing physical discs for games released before 2028, but all games released after 2028 will be digital-only.

PlayStation announced it will stop producing physical game discs by 2028, sparking consumer and political backlash. Major corporations like Domino's Pizza, KFC, and G-Fuel mocked the move with satirical 'digital-only' product announcements, while Proton pledged to shift to physical services.

The article discusses Sony's decision to stop producing disc-based games and questions whether the average person understands that all disc media eventually becomes obsolete. It highlights concerns about public expectations regarding the long-term usability of physical media.

Sony is transitioning away from physical discs, positioning the decision as a response to cultural trends rather than profit-driven motives. The move has sparked a conflict between investors and gamers.

Sony has invested $34 million to repurpose its European PlayStation disc factory into a facility for producing optical microlenses. The factory will transition from manufacturing video game discs to optical components.

Sony is removing some purchased movies and shows from PlayStation customers' libraries in September, highlighting that digital purchases are akin to long-term rentals rather than ownership.

Sony is repurposing its Thalgau disc manufacturing plant, shifting from producing PlayStation discs to optical microlenses. The facility, Sony's last wholly owned disc production site, currently makes 600,000 discs daily (half for PlayStation) but will reduce PlayStation disc output to 10% of current levels by 2028. All 300 employees will be retrained for the new focus.

A gamer in Columbus sold $1,000 worth of physical game discs at GameStop shortly after Sony announced the end of the disc era. The decision contrasts with collectors who plan to preserve their physical media.

Sony announced plans to discontinue physical PlayStation game discs by 2028, sparking backlash from gamers and brands like GameSir and KFC, which mocked the decision on social media. Critics raised concerns about digital ownership, media preservation, and the industry's shift away from physical media.

Sony announced it will stop producing physical discs for PlayStation games starting in 2028, shifting to digital downloads as consumer preferences evolve. The company stated this change will not impact current games and aligns with the growing preference for digital media.

Sony will stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation game releases starting January 2028, shifting focus to digital distribution. This decision reflects the gaming industry's broader move toward digital platforms.

Japan is forming a consortium with SoftBank Corp., Sony, NEC, and Honda, funded by the government, to develop a national AI foundation model in partnership with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. The initiative aims to challenge US and Chinese dominance in artificial intelligence.

Sony has decided to discontinue PlayStation discs, becoming the first major console maker to do so. This move has sparked angry reactions from some gamers.

Sony announced it will stop producing discs for new PlayStation games starting January 2028, prompting criticism from gamers, retailers, and preservationists. Cody Spencer of Pink Gorilla Games described the decision as a loss for game ownership and accessibility.

Sony plans to stop producing physical discs for PlayStation games by 2028, citing stronger demand for digital releases. Rockstar Games confirmed its upcoming 'Grand Theft Auto VI' will be available only as a digital download, not on physical media.

Sony will cease production of physical PlayStation game discs by 2028 as consumer demand shifts toward online purchases. The decision ends practices like trading games with friends, reselling used copies, and buying second-hand games.

Sony will stop releasing PlayStation games on discs as online sales become dominant. The policy change excludes games released or scheduled for disc release before 2028.

Sony announced PlayStation will stop producing physical discs for games starting January 2028, shifting to digital formats due to changing consumer preferences. New games after this date will be available digitally only, while existing and pre-2028 games remain unaffected. Rockstar Games also announced a digital-only release for Grand Theft Auto VI's physical version.

Japan aims to adopt 10 million robots by 2040, with some providing medical care and working in food manufacturing. The initiative, led by Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa, involves AI-powered robots and a new collaboration between SoftBank, NEC, Sony Group, Honda, and potentially Fujitsu and Rakuten under the organization 'Noetra'.

Sony has erased digital content from libraries, raising concerns about consumer ownership of purchased digital media. The article highlights the issue of users not truly owning digital content they buy, as companies can remove it remotely.

Nomura Holdings Inc. and Sony are contributing to a significant week for Japanese bond sales. The article mentions Nomura's head office in Tokyo.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill requiring companies to disclose temporary licenses for digital media purchases. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Nick Kupper, aimed to clarify consumer rights but was criticized for unclear refund provisions. Similar laws exist in California, and companies like Amazon and Sony have faced consumer complaints over revoked digital content access.

Sony's Xperia 1 VIII features a redesigned aesthetic and updated camera system, dropping the continuous optical zoom telephoto from previous models. It retains the 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot, while maintaining high pricing at £1,399 / €1,499 in the UK and Europe. The phone does not launch in the US.

Final Fantasy 16 is featured as a new addition to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for June. Sony is updating the PS Plus Game Catalog more frequently this month.

An investigation by Global Witness found that Amazon, Sony, and Ericsson likely sourced coltan from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) via supply chains controlled by the M23 rebels, who are accused of sexual violence, summary executions, and torture. The minerals are used in phones and were smuggled from mines occupied by the militia.

Sony revealed a slate of games during a PlayStation event to address declining sales of its flagship titles. The PS5 era has seen reduced game sales for Sony, with 32.1m copies sold in 2025 compared to 54.1m in 2018. The company highlighted successes like Astro Bot and Ghost of Yōtei but acknowledged failures such as Helldivers, while emphasizing exclusivity by limiting PC releases of PS5 games.

Sony revealed Marvel's Wolverine at their State of Play event, set for exclusive PS5 release on September 15th. The game showcases Wolverine's combat with his iconic yellow outfit and graphic violence, first announced in 2021 with limited details.

Amazon has announced Prime Day 2026 will run from June 23 to June 26, marking the first June event since 2021. The four-day sale offers discounts on tech, home essentials, outdoor gear, and beauty products, with major deals reserved for Prime members and some available to non-members.

Sony will host the State of Play showcase on June 2 at 5PM ET, featuring over an hour of trailers and game news.

Sony announced an August 2024 launch for its FlexStrike fight stick and a 27-inch gaming monitor. The FlexStrike, priced at $199.99, will release on August 6th alongside the PlayStation-published game Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, with PC support added post-launch.

Sony has released two high-end Bravia TVs, which are likely its last premium models before merging its home theater business with TCL Electronics Holdings next year. The company is ending its tenure as a stand-alone TV maker through this merger.

Sennheiser's Momentum 5 Wireless headphones are praised for closing the gap to competitors like Bose and Sony through enhanced sound quality and more effective active noise cancellation (ANC).

Sony has announced the True RGB Bravia TV lineup, including the Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II models, which utilize independently driven red, green, and blue lights for enhanced display performance.