{"id":1157006,"date":"2026-08-19T06:19:21","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T06:19:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1157006\/"},"modified":"2026-08-19T06:19:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T06:19:21","slug":"irate-physical-game-fans-prepare-for-their-big-ps5-blackout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1157006\/","title":{"rendered":"Irate Physical Game Fans Prepare for Their Big PS5 Blackout"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Irate<\/a> Image: Push Square<\/p>\n

Angry physical game fans<\/a> are preparing to unplug their PS5s this week as the widely reported \u201cblackout\u201d is set to get underway.<\/p>\n

Protesters frustrated at Sony\u2019s decision to stop manufacturing discs in 2028 have been encouraged to turn off their consoles and not play from 23rd August through 30th August.<\/p>\n

The idea is to reduce Sony\u2019s daily active users, one of the platform holder\u2019s most important performance metrics. Obviously this also means no spending within the ecosystem as well.<\/p>\n

During a financial report late last month<\/a>, the Japanese giant said it had seen \u201cno impact\u201d to its business from the various boycotts touted on social media. Many claim to have cancelled their PS Plus<\/strong><\/a> subscription, for example.<\/p>\n

ONE WEEK WARNING for the #PSBlackout<\/a>!<\/p>\n

August 23-30. No logins, no playing, no purchasing on PlayStation.<\/p>\n

This 1 week is the minimum requirement. If you can, start early, go longer. Let Sony know how important physical media is. Don’t accept all-digital without customer rights! pic.twitter.com\/bu7ZYBEh4u<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Does it play? (@DoesItPlay1) August 16, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Those protesting will miss out on the Modern Warfare 4<\/a> beta, which gets underway for everyone from 10AM PDT on 28th August.<\/p>\n

Games like Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 2<\/a>, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy<\/a>, and Star Wars Zero Company<\/a> are also set to release during the blackout.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m very curious to see if enough people participate to have any kind of impact on Sony\u2019s bottom line here.<\/p>\n

As I wrote in a previous article<\/a>, I respect players taking a stand, but I actually don\u2019t agree with a number of points raised in the letter.<\/p>\n

I personally won\u2019t be participating, but I\u2019ll be eager to see the outcome \u2013 if there\u2019s any at all.<\/p>\n

\"Sammy<\/p>\n

As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He\u2019s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.<\/p>\n