Sony’s decision to end physical disc production by 2028 has triggered formal antitrust complaints in Mexico and a multi-million euro lawsuit in the Netherlands. According to reports from LevelUp, Mexican legislators and European consumer groups allege that moving to a digital-only ecosystem creates a monopoly that strips users of ownership rights and harms third-party retailers.
Mexican Legislators File Antitrust Complaint Against PlayStation
Federal Deputy Iraís Reyes and Senator Luis Donaldo Colosio have announced their intent to file a formal complaint with the National Antitrust Commission. They argue that Sony is leveraging its market dominance to establish itself as the sole seller of its titles by eliminating the physical format.
The legislators identify two primary risks in their official communication. First, they highlight the destruction of the secondary market. Senator Colosio stated that stores such as Liverpool, Sanborns, and GamePlanet would lose their ability to compete in new game sales, while the massive resale and exchange market would vanish.
Second, the legislators point to the loss of consumer ownership. Because digital formats rely on licenses rather than physical goods, access to content depends entirely on the conditions imposed by Sony. Deputy Reyes also noted that a digital-only mandate ignores the reality of unequal internet speeds across Mexico.
European Legal Battles and the €400 Million Claim
The pushback isn’t limited to North America. In the Netherlands, the group Stichting Massaschade & Consument has spent months accusing Sony of promoting a monopoly through the PlayStation Store. This collective is seeking over 400 million euros in compensation for affected users.
The group argues that a “fair price” is impossible when buyers have no ownership rights and no alternative purchasing methods. This legal pressure coincides with protests from the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) in the UK and various store owners in Spain, who claim the move threatens industry employment and consumer rights.
Comparative Impact: Physical vs. Digital Ecosystems
| Feature | Physical Format | Digital-Only (Post-2028) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Physical asset ownership | Digital license access |
| Market | Resale and exchange possible | Exclusive to PS Store |
| Retailers | Third-party stores (GamePlanet, etc.) | Sony direct-to-consumer |
Industry-Wide Backlash and Consumer Boycotts
The gaming community has responded with large-scale digital campaigns. A Change.org petition aimed at saving the physical format has already gathered more than 310,000 signatures. This is paired with a wave of social media criticism targeting Sony’s official accounts.
Industry professionals argue that forcing all developers into the PlayStation Network infrastructure gives Sony total control over commissions and access conditions. This “judge and party” dynamic, as described by Deputy Reyes, could potentially squeeze the profit margins of independent developers who have no other way to reach the console’s audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will PlayStation stop producing discs?
The reported deadline for the end of physical disc production is 2028.
Why are Mexican legislators suing Sony?
They allege Sony is engaging in monopolistic practices that harm third-party retailers and remove ownership rights from consumers.
How much is the lawsuit in the Netherlands seeking?
Stichting Massaschade & Consument is claiming more than 400 million euros in compensation.
What happens to the used game market?
According to Senator Luis Donaldo Colosio, the resale and exchange market would effectively disappear, as digital licenses cannot be traded between users like physical discs.
What do you think about the end of physical games? Will you keep buying discs or move entirely to digital? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more industry updates.
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