Disc-Free PS: A Sony Veteran Explains Digital-First Gaming and Loyalty's Future
In an exclusive interview, former Sony Interactive Entertainment SVP Gordon Thornton argues that a disc-free, all-digital PlayStation era is inevitable as Sony moves away from physical releases after January 2028. He notes the PlayStation Store already commands roughly 80–85% of the market and physical retail is waning, and urges loyalty programs to evolve by tightly tying rewards to in-game mechanics and even real-money rewards. Thornton cautions against copying generic loyalty formulas and points to success stories (e.g., ZBD/TapNation) that boosted retention and revenue, while explaining that publishers set MSRPs and Sony doesn’t unilaterally control pricing. The interview frames a shift toward digital ecosystems that maximize lifetime value, even as the industry puzzles over price and accessibility in a rapidly digital landscape.
