An increasing tension between players and publishers over game ownership is prompting some gamers to consider divesting from the mainstream system, potentially returning to older consoles and indie platforms. This comes as PlayStation 5 owners are encouraged to log off from their consoles between 23 and 30 August in protest, following Sony's decision to cease physical game disc production from January 2028.
Sony's Digital Shift Sparks Protest
Sony's move means games will only be released as digital products after that date. In a mass email to customers, Sony reminded them of the PS5 terms and conditions, stating: "The software is licensed to you, not sold. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and personal license to play …" The company likely knows most customers won't read the email, but the clause highlights the ongoing tension between players and publishers over ownership.
This tension is not new, but it has become more starkly political. Microsoft has been targeted by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement for its ties to the Israeli military. The consumer advocacy group Stop Killing Games is gaining support, and players have protested over Electronic Arts' purchase by a Saudi-led consortium, with boycotts proposed partly due to potential ramifications for LGBTQ+ content in titles like The Sims. As the games industry has globalised, its cultural and political impact has grown, yet individual gamers feel increasingly powerless.
Options for Divesting from Mainstream Gaming
For those looking to divest from the mainstream games industrial complex, there are sacrifices but also viable alternatives. A PS5 with an optical drive can still play physical discs and almost all PS4 games, offering decades of single-player titles. Secondhand Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo consoles from any era provide access to still-pleasurable games. Couch co-op classics like Micro Machines and Worms offer offline multiplayer fun.
Building a functional gaming PC is possible for about £500, especially with secondhand components, allowing play of most current titles on lower graphics settings. Platforms like Steam, Itch.io, and GOG provide access to the independent gaming scene. For retro enthusiasts on a budget, a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 mini computer can be turned into a retro gaming machine with emulators like RetroPie, Batocera, or Recalbox, though game ROMs must be sourced separately. Dedicated retro consoles like the EverCade, which offers licensed classic titles, and handhelds like Retroid, Ayaneo, and Miyoo Mini are also options.
The Ethical Choice for Gamers
For gamers concerned about the impact of their consent and consumption, it may be time to view video games like food, requiring ethical sacrifices. The systems may seem stacked against us, but games have always taught that we have agency and can challenge the system. As for PlayStation, while the majority of game sales are now digital, as Sony has noted, this week has reminded players what convenience and compliance will cost in the end.
