PlayStation Blackout strike

PlayStation Fans Are Planning a Week-Long Blackout; Here's Why

Devesh Kumar Singh

Modified - Jul 27, 2026, 06:49 AM

3 min

Add

As Preferred Source

PlayStation

Summary

The PlayStation Blackout Strike urges fans to participate in a 7-day protest against Sony's decision regarding physical discs.
Another Change.org petition regarding Sony's recent announcement has received several hundred thousand signatures.

Sony Interactive Entertainment currently finds itself in some deep waters. Their announcement about the end of Physical Discs drew massive outrage from fans and gamers online. In a recent development, consumers have now decided to protest against the Japan-based organization. Several popular creators have confirmed this online, sharing multiple posts to explain what the PlayStation Blackout strike is all about.

PSBlackout Strike Explained: What's Happening With Sony Interactive Entertainment?

PlayStation players have now called for a 7-day blackout of their Sony consoles to protest against the organization's decision to end Physical Disc production for new game releases. Many have criticized the move as highly ‘anti-gaming,’ with the primary objective of driving up profits and removing ownership from gamers.

Popular video game page @DoesItPlay1 posted a statement online, urging fans to stand against Sony's decision with a PSBlackout Strike.

“Sony wants to abandon fans? Let's give them a small taste of their own medicine! Together with other creators, we call for a 1-week #PSBlackout in August. No logins, no play sessions, no purchases on any of Sony's platforms,” they wrote.

Meanwhile, you can also check out how a new PlayStation Regional Pricing update may also be on the cards. Learn how it could result in games getting even more expensive in certain regions.

PSBlackout Official Statement

The PlayStation Blackout strike statement discusses how Sony Interactive Entertainment has been quite disconnected from its community. Moreover, they feel that bringing back physical discs ‘would only be meeting players halfway’. The statement demanded the return of titles like Twisted Metal, SOCOM, Sly Cooper, and Resistance. All that considered, here's what the official statement has asked the community to do:

We are calling on PlayStation players to participate in an economic and gameplay blackout from Sunday, August 23, at 7:00 PM local time through Sunday, August 30, at 7:00 PM local time. Players can participate by turning off their consoles or logging out for seven days.

PlayStation strike aside, Sony's official post about physical discs also recently became the most hated gaming post in X's history.

Don't Kill the Disc Petition

PlayStation fans and gamers have also been quite aggressive on Change.org. A recent petition titled “Don't Kill the Disc” has already surpassed 345,000 verified signatures on the platform. This massive influx showcases that gamers are strongly against the phasing out of Physical Discs. It now remains to be seen if the Japan-based organization addresses the backlash anytime soon.