Sony Digital Audio Disc Corporation (DADC) has confirmed that the PlayStation owner is already converting at least one of its Austrian disc factories, following its July 1 announcement that all first‑party and third‑party physical PlayStation discs will cease production by January 2028.
In an interview with ORF Salzburg, DADC chief executive Dietmar Tanzer revealed that the Thalgau plant is being transformed into a micro‑lens production site, with 300 employees already undergoing retraining.
Markus Streibl, DADC’s head of micro optics, noted that the pivot to digital had been in the works before the public announcement. While the workforce was informed of the shift simultaneously with the broader market, management had secured a €30 million investment in microlens technology earlier in the year.
Although the company has begun reallocating staff to microlens test operations, Tanzer could not confirm whether the 300 jobs would be secure once physical media production ends. When queried about future employment, he emphasized Sony’s intent to keep the headcount near 300 but offered no guarantees.
Sony DADC’s head of micro optics has confirmed that the company is already planning to roll out mass production of optical microlenses across its entire global network as early as 2027. The Thalgau, Austria, plant will act as a pilot facility, with the rest of Sony DADC’s sites slated to follow suit in a sweeping conversion effort.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Sony DADC shutting down physical PlayStation disc production?
Sony Digital Audio Disc Corporation announced that all first‑party and third‑party physical PlayStation discs will cease production by January 2028. The move reflects the industry’s shift toward digital distribution, reducing the need for physical media and allowing Sony to focus resources on digital services and new technologies.
What will happen to the employees at the Thalgau plant?
The Thalgau plant is being converted into a micro‑lens production site, and 300 employees are already undergoing retraining. While management plans to keep the headcount near 300 and has secured a €30 million investment in microlens technology, the company has not confirmed whether all 300 jobs will be secure once physical media production ends.
How does the pivot to micro‑lens technology affect Sony's future product strategy?
The shift to micro‑lens production positions Sony to capitalize on emerging optical and micro‑lens applications, potentially enhancing future gaming peripherals, VR/AR displays, and other high‑precision optics. It also allows Sony to diversify its manufacturing portfolio and reduce reliance on legacy physical media production.
News Source: Kotaku
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