PlayStation is drawing criticism for its shift to digital-only game distribution, a move that will see no new physical disc releases starting in 2028. Gamers express concerns over potential monopolies through the PlayStation Store and increased prices. The controversy intensified with the discovery that PlayStation's European terms of service allow for account closure and deletion of all purchased digital games after 3 years of inactivity. This policy, outlined in clauses 21.2 and 21.3, states that accounts inactive for 36 months may be closed, rendering digital products inaccessible and irreversible.

While enforcement remains uncertain, users who have purchased digital games have agreed to these terms. Unlike physical media, which offers a tangible copy, digital games can be revoked by the platform holder. This contrasts with physical discs, which generally cannot be withdrawn unless they require online activation or similar restrictions. The policy is not directly tied to GDPR, as similar terms existed for PlayStation accounts since at least 2009, with inactivity periods evolving from 18 to 24 and then to 36 months.

Microsoft's Xbox platform has comparable policies, though the company commits to not deleting accounts with digital purchases. This distinction raises questions about consumer rights for digital ownership, especially as physical media is phased out. The ability of platforms to retroactively remove access to purchased digital content presents a significant shift from traditional ownership models.