Sony is redefining the purpose of its PlayStation disc manufacturing facility by investing a significant sum of $35 million, approximately IDR 629 billion. This strategic move aligns with the company's decision to cease physical game production by 2028, as reported by various sources.
Changes at the Thalgau Plant
The factory in Thalgau, Austria, is capable of producing around 600,000 discs daily, which includes PlayStation games, Blu-rays, and compact discs (CDs). However, with the impending shift away from physical games, production is expected to drop substantially. According to Austrian media outlet ORF, employees at the Sony DADC facility were informed about the restructuring plans recently.
Impact on Employment
Fortunately, Dietmar Tanzer, CEO of Sony DADC, has assured that this transition will not lead to layoffs for the time being. Currently, PlayStation products contribute to about 50% of the plant's output, with new game orders accounting for roughly 20% of that volume. Tanzer forecasts that by 2028, this figure will decrease to approximately 10%.
Investment in Future Technologies
Instead of downsizing its workforce, Sony is channeling hundreds of billions of rupiah into new equipment for the factory. This investment will enable the facility to pivot towards the production of micro-optical lenses instead of discs. Markus Streibl, head of Micro Optics at Sony DADC, elaborated on how this technology will be utilized in future products. He explained, "Micro-optics involves the miniaturization of optical systems and elements that focus and direct light in the smallest possible space. One of its applications could be car indicators projected onto the road."
Training and Transition Plans
Recently, employees have begun transitioning from disc production to testing the new equipment. Sony also plans to retrain its staff ahead of the mass production of micro-optical lenses, which is set to commence next year. This proactive approach indicates Sony's commitment to adapting to changing market dynamics while retaining its workforce.
Source: https://inet.detik.com/games-news/d-8562615/alih-fungsikan-pabrik-cakram-playstation-sony-kucurkan-rp-629-m
