Former Square Enix Exec Says Sony Ditching Discs Could Lower PS Store Prices

Former Square Enix Director of Business Development Jacob Navok believes that Sony’s shift away from physical media for PlayStation could reshape pricing on the PS Store.

In a series of posts on X (Twitter), Navok argued that going fully digital might trigger fiercer competition among publishers, potentially driving game prices down. The discussion follows Sony's recent announcement to halt production of all physical media starting January 2028.

Navok maintains that price pressure stems from competition among publishers themselves rather than rivalry between separate storefronts. Since publishers ultimately set their own digital pricing, removing discs won't automatically lead to price hikes. Instead, the former executive anticipates more frequent sales and flexible pricing structures similar to Steam. To illustrate his point, he shared a Steam price tracking chart for Final Fantasy 16, showcasing a steady decline in its historical low.

However, Navok emphasizes that this is simply a possible scenario rather than a guaranteed outcome. According to Kotaku, early data has yet to support his theory, and many users still worry about the reverse effect—monopoly-driven price hikes and the total loss of digital ownership rights.

In related news, Mexican authorities recently filed a formal complaint against Sony over its decision to drop physical media.

Do you agree with Jacob Navok’s outlook, or do you think a digital-only future will hurt our wallets? Let us know in the comments below!