PlayStation Fans Revive Classic PS4 Game-Sharing Meme—This Time Without a Disc

Shuhei Yoshida and Adam Boyes, both veterans of Sony, reunited at the PlayStation booth during Tokyo Game Show 2026, recreating their iconic PS4 moment from E3 2013 when they took a jab at Xbox One’s DRM policies. This time, however, neither of them was holding a physical game disc.

The absence of a disc likely stemmed from the fact that they weren’t carrying one while navigating the convention. The resulting image serves as a striking contrast to PlayStation’s messaging from over a decade ago, especially considering Sony’s current plans to phase out physical games by 2028.

The memorable 22-second “Official PlayStation Used Game Instructional Video” released in 2013 was a spontaneous stroke of marketing brilliance that took advantage of Microsoft’s unpopular decision to impose DRM checks on used game discs for Xbox One. Now, as we approach the PS6 era, Sony is preparing to move away from physical media, while Microsoft is leveraging its former DRM policies to provide players with digital licenses for their physical games.

This old video also highlights how PlayStation’s communication style has shifted over the years. A decade later, Sony has become more reserved, avoiding public discussions from its key figures about its changing ecosystem priorities.

Boyes left PlayStation in 2016, and Yoshida followed in 2024. Both have since transitioned to consulting roles within the broader gaming industry, though many dedicated PlayStation fans likely wish they were still part of the company.