Hideo Kojima is not only unhappy with Sony's decision to phase out physical formats for video games: he fears a future without ownership

July 2, 2026 - 16:48

Legendary game designer Hideo Kojima has voiced strong concerns over Sony's recent push to phase out physical game discs, warning that the industry is heading toward a future where players no longer truly own their games. In a candid statement, Kojima expressed not just disappointment but genuine fear over the loss of ownership in the digital age.

The Metal Gear Solid creator argued that the shift away from physical media is part of a larger trend that strips consumers of control. "Even digital data will no longer be owned by individuals on their own initiative," he said, suggesting that future licensing models could allow companies to revoke access to purchased content at any time. This, he believes, leaves players vulnerable to corporate decisions rather than giving them permanent rights to the software they buy.

Kojima's remarks come as Sony continues to emphasize digital sales and subscription services, with some reports indicating that future PlayStation hardware may omit disc drives entirely. While digital distribution offers convenience, Kojima sees it as a slippery slope. He compared the situation to the loss of physical media in other industries, where streaming and digital-only releases have led to content disappearing from libraries without warning.

For Kojima, the issue is not just about nostalgia for plastic cases and discs. It is about the fundamental principle of ownership. He fears that without physical copies, gamers will be left renting their libraries indefinitely, subject to the whims of publishers and platform holders. His warning serves as a reminder that the battle over who truly controls the games we buy is far from over.