PlayStation Accused of Using Social Media Bots to Defend Digital-Only Future

PlayStation Accused of Using Social Media Bots to Defend Digital-Only Future

PlayStation faces claims that social media bots are defending Sony’s decision to stop producing physical game discs for new releases from January 2028.

Suspicious accounts reportedly supported Sony’s decision

YouTube channel Moore’s Law Is Dead examined several social media accounts that posted positively about PlayStation’s digital-only plans. The creator claims these accounts showed unusual activity, including long periods of silence followed by sudden posts supporting Sony and other gaming companies.

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Some accounts reportedly used formal and similar language, interacted with profiles that were later deleted, and displayed profile pictures that appeared to be AI-generated. One account had reportedly remained inactive for six years before returning to praise Rockstar Games and GTA 6. Another became active after three years and began posting about game ownership and PlayStation’s digital strategy.

The investigation focused on three accounts. However, the findings do not prove that Sony created, controlled, or paid for them. Moore’s Law Is Dead also acknowledged that an unrelated third party could be responsible for the activity.

Sony has not publicly responded to the bot allegations.

PlayStation will end new physical game releases in 2028

Sony confirmed on July 1 that it will stop producing physical discs for all new PlayStation games starting in January 2028. New titles released after that date will be available digitally through the PlayStation Store and participating retailers. Games released before the deadline will remain unaffected.

Sony said digital downloads represented around 80% of its full-game software sales during fiscal 2025. However, the decision has faced criticism from players concerned about game ownership, resale options, sharing, storage costs, and long-term access.

Until stronger evidence appears, the social media bot claim remains an allegation rather than a confirmed PlayStation marketing campaign.

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