Update #2 [Sun 30th Aug 2026, 8:15pm]: The PS5 blackout protest has concluded in many parts of the world, after campaigners originally set a week-long window, scheduled to conclude at 7pm local time on 30th August.
Leaders of the boycott have since changed their language, and encouraged participants to keep their consoles unplugged until Sony changes its stance.
It’d be interesting to know how many observed the rules of the original protest, and how many will stick to it. We should get some insight during Sony’s next financial report, when it shares its monthly active users statistic.
Some fans are frustrated by PlayStation’s decision to stop manufacturing physical game discs in January 2028, as well as its alleged disregard for consumers. That’s led to a fierce backlash, culminating in this boycott.
Of course, the willpower of protesters is about to be tested, as next week sees the release of The Blood of Dawnwalker and Onimusha: Way of the Sword – two highly anticipated titles.
Beyond that Marvel’s Wolverine, Control Resonant, and, of course, GTA 6 are all on the way.
Sony, for what it’s worth, is forecasting a record breaking fiscal year, which will set a new annual high for the games industry at large.
Update #1 [Mon 24th Aug 2026, 2:30pm]:
سەرچاوەی فەرمی بە زمانی ئینگلیزی: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/08/ps5-blackout-protest-officially-concludes-but-campaigners-encourage-indefinite-participation1
