The PlayStation Blackout Protest Has Protest Has Begun

A planned blackout of PlayStation has begun in a bid to make Sony understand how frustrated a section of its PlayStation fans are. It kicked off at 7pm local time today, and is due to run until August 30.

“For several years now, Sony Interactive Entertainment has continued to grow further apart from its fan base,” says the mission statement. “Whether it’s closing down beloved studios like Bluepoint, pursuing a misguided live-service strategy, cancelling fan events, leaving PS VR2 to die, or being completely out of touch with the franchises players want to see return. PlayStation has never felt more disconnected from its community.”

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. pic.twitter.com/v6JvdvbHLD

— Does it play? (@DoesItPlay1) July 26, 2026

Sony’s call to end physical disc production in 2028was the final straw for a lot of people. Especially as a lot of data still seems to show physical games selling in the millions..

“Ending physical discs in 2028 feels like the last straw. We understand there is only so much SIE can control, but with the decisions that are within its control, the company continues to mismanage the strong position it inherited from the PS4 era.”

They do have a point. Despite strong sales of the console itself, there’s a general sense that the PS5 general has been…lacking. Fewer bit exclusives, studio closures and huge fumbles have resulted in a weak generation. But Sony has come through looking good on paper largely because one of its other big competitor’s has managed to screw everything up even more thoroughly.

“We miss Twisted Metal, SOCOM, Sly Cooper and Resistance. We miss PlayStation Experience. We miss Japan Studio.”

The blackout encourages people to completely turn off their PlayStations for a week, and many creators are also asking people to sign the petition to save physical discs, which is at 370,386 at the time of writing.

While I don’t think this will manage to have a big enough impact to chance Sony’s mind, I respect the hell out of the people who feel strongly enough to do this.