The era of owning physical media is rapidly fading, fundamentally changing how consumers interact with their purchased entertainment. Sony announced it will stop producing PlayStation discs by January 2028, reflecting a broader industry shift towards digital-only content. This move highlights growing concerns that consumers are merely licensing, not truly owning, their digital movies, music, and games. US home video revenue from physical media dropped below $1 billion in 2024, a 23.4% decline from the previous year.[diversetechgeek]
The Rapid Retreat of Physical Formats
Physical media has been in steady decline for years across various entertainment sectors. In 2024, physical products like DVDs and Blu-rays accounted for only 1.7% of total US home video revenue. Subscription streaming, by contrast, dominated with 91.3% of the market.Major retailers like Best Buy stopped selling DVDs and Blu-rays in 2023.Netflix also ended its DVD rental service in September 2023.[diversetechgeek+4]
The video game industry shows a similar trend. Spending on physical video game software in the US was cut in half between 2021 and 2024. This figure now sits more than 85% below its peak in 2008.By 2023, physical games made up just 10.5% of US game sales, while digital sales accounted for 89.5%.Music formats like CDs and vinyl made up only about 11% of US revenue in 2023, with streaming taking an 84% share.The convenience of instant access, cross-device compatibility, and reduced clutter makes digital content appealing to many consumers.[frameagame+4]
When "Buying" Means "Licensing"
The shift to digital media carries a critical distinction for consumers: they often purchase a license to access content, rather than outright ownership.This means companies retain control over the digital products, and access can be revoked. Legal experts note that the "fine print" in digital user agreements often clarifies that consumers are buying a license, not the product itself.[snbonline+6]
This licensing model allows companies to remove content from user libraries if licensing agreements expire or platforms shut down.In September 2026, Sony will remove 551 digitally purchased movies and TV shows from PlayStation libraries in Europe due to expired licensing deals.Consumers who paid for these titles will lose access without refunds.Similar incidents include Sony revoking access to Discovery content in December 2023,Amazon removing George Orwell's "1984" from Kindles in 2009,and iTunes deleting titles from user libraries in 2018.[snbonline+17]
Jennifer Jenkins, director of Duke University's Center for the Study of the Public Domain, explained that the "first-sale doctrine" applies to physical goods. This doctrine allows owners to sell, lend, or give away a physical book or DVD.However, this right does not extend to most digital content.Digital Rights Management (DRM) software further limits how consumers can use their digital purchases.Consumers "overwhelmingly believe that when they buy digital media, they own it," according to Berkeley Law research.However, the legal reality often differs, leading to frustration and a sense of lost control.[marketplace+9]
A Niche Revival and Consumer Pushback
Despite the overall decline, some physical media formats are experiencing a small resurgence. Overall disc sales fell by 9% in 2025, a slower decline compared to drops of over 20% in both 2023 and 2024.Sales of 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays increased by 12% in the US in 2025, driven by enthusiasts seeking superior quality.Vinyl record sales are also growing, with nearly 47 million records sold in the US in 2025, generating over $1 billion in revenue.[latimes+6]
This niche revival is partly fueled by "subscription fatigue" and a desire for tangible ownership among younger generations.Gen Z buyers, for example, are embracing DVDs and Blu-rays.Some local video rental stores are reporting increased traffic and rentals.Boutique labels specializing in physical media are also emerging and reporting growing sales.[latimes+8]
Consumer groups are pushing back against the limitations of digital ownership. In California, a law (AB 2426) took effect in 2025 requiring digital stores to clearly state when consumers are buying a revocable license rather than full ownership.The European Commission is also working with industry and consumer groups on digital ownership issues. This follows a petition from 1.3 million people to "Stop Destroying Videogames," which focuses on content access when platforms no longer support games.[business-law-review+3]
The Environmental Footprint: A Complex Picture
The environmental impact of media consumption is complex, with both physical and digital formats posing challenges. While digital media reduces the need for physical materials and transportation, it introduces environmental concerns through significant energy consumption by data centers and e-waste from rapidly obsolescing devices.[greengeeks+3]
Data centers, which power streaming services, consume vast amounts of electricity. This energy use contributes to carbon emissions, especially when relying on non-renewable sources.In 2022, approximately 62 million metric tons of e-waste were generated globally, with only 22.3% formally collected and recycled.[monotypepressing+2]
Comparatively, producing one vinyl record generates about 2.2 kilograms of CO2, equivalent to streaming music for approximately 40 hours.A single CD produces around 172 grams of CO2, roughly equal to 3.13 hours of streaming.E-readers have a higher upfront carbon footprint of about 80 pounds. This is much more than a physical book's average of 2.2 pounds of CO2 emissions.However, an e-reader can be more sustainable if a user reads more than 13 to 20 books annually during its three-year lifespan.Physical media, like paper, can be sustainably sourced and has high recycling rates, with over 70% in Europe.[monotypepressing+5]
The transition away from physical media and the rise of digital licensing models mark a significant shift in consumer rights. As companies like Sony move towards entirely digital offerings, the idea of truly owning purchased content becomes more uncertain. Consumers must increasingly understand that their digital "purchases" often grant only temporary access, subject to the terms and longevity of the providing platform.
