Sony has introduced a vinyl record player to promote physical media, a move that has angered PlayStation fans, according to Multiplayer. The announcement comes as many gamers fear the company is moving away from disc-based games.
The reaction follows a broader campaign by PlayStation fans. SpazioGames reports that players have organized a week-long stoppage in protest. A separate event called PSBlackout is planned for August 23, according to tomshw.it, targeting what fans see as the end of games on disc.
The controversy has drawn attention to how many PlayStation 5 games actually require an internet connection to play. HDblog.it has published figures on how many physical PS5 games can be played without ever connecting online.
The debate over physical games has also attracted high-profile industry voices. IGN Italia reports that Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games, has publicly defended physical games and called on companies to continue supporting them.
Sony has not commented on the fan protests or the future of disc-based PlayStation games. The vinyl player launch appears to be a separate initiative, but it has intensified frustration among players who want Sony to commit to physical game releases.
