Exhibitor login
Bright 25 October 2026

Ken Kutaragi understands concerns about physical games

Ken Kutaragi understands concerns about physical games

Ken Kutaragi, the architect behind the first PlayStation consoles, has shared his stance on the growing frustration among gamers regarding the disappearance of physical games. He acknowledges that the emotional value of owning a game on a physical disc plays an important role in this discussion. For many gamers, it's not just the technical advancements they are concerned about, but also the sense of ownership that a physical disc can provide.

At the same time, Kutaragi refers to the economic and practical objections surrounding the continued production of physical discs. He states that the costs and ecological impact of manufacturing optical media are substantial, complicating the discussion further. In the current digital age, the shift towards digital distribution seems inevitable, despite the understandable emotional needs of fans of physical games.

The former CEO of Sony emphasizes that the evolution of gaming technology enables better performance without relying on physical media. He calls for a broader discussion on what it means to own a game in the digital age, and how this transformation affects gamers' expectations.

These topics are crucial for the future of the gaming industry and reflect a broader trend where technological developments increasingly conflict with traditional consumer behavior. Kutaragi's perspective offers valuable insights into how this transition can be understood by both developers and players.

Read the full article from Bright.