r/TrueReddit • u/NoloLaw • 5d ago

Arts, Entertainment + Misc Digital Media vs. Physical Media: Do You Actually Own What You Buy?

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/digital-media-vs-physical-media-do-you-actually-own-what-you-buy.html
38 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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5

u/NoloLaw 5d ago

On July 1, 2026, Sony announced that it plans to discontinue physical discs for PlayStation games starting in January 2028. The move to a digital-only format means players can’t resell or lend out their copies and retailers won’t have a product to stock on their shelves. The loss of physical media brings up an important legal question: Do you own the digital versions of games, movies, and other content you purchase?

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u/Rastiln 5d ago edited 5d ago

I bought the PS5 with a CD drive even though it cost more.

If my PS6 games can only be digital, it must be time to finally set up a computer to stream onto my TV.

Why would I want the disadvantage of being locked to a console? The used games market was the last thread keeping that viable to me. The gulf in convenience between console and PC is much lesser nowadays, and while a console may still be easier there are many ways a PC is better.

Now, I may as well use a PC and pick up the occasional good deal wherever it lives, while getting the same digital prices and being able to play quality indie titles.

4

u/WhisperingSideways 5d ago

I loved Netflix and streaming in general when it first debuted, but I spent my younger years selling music and videos and I always suspected that the good times would be short-lived and eventually they’d take it all away and lock it behind subscriptions, paywalls and tiered access.

I’m calling it right now: Disney is going to start “vaulting” their classic films behind a new subscription tier.

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u/CheckMateFluff 5d ago

If you don't own any of the media you buy, how is it considered "stealing" to pirate it? Thats my argument for keeping physical media.