Some of my favourite memories from my earlier years involve going into a game store and buying the newest release. Before returning home, I’d study the handbook while seated in the backseat and envision the experience. But as I’ve become older, I find that signing into a console and browsing a virtual store to locate the next game to play is far more convenient than making a shopping expedition. Unfortunately, I can’t help but feel that in 2023, the allure of a physical release has diminished, and this is evidenced by falling sales.
As reported by the BBC, the entertainment and retail association (ERA) announced that 89.5% of UK game sales in 2022 were digital downloads, leaving 10.5% of sales for physical copies. So essentially, 9 out of 10 games were sold as digital downloads, which doesn’t bode well for the future of boxed copies. But, it also comes as no surprise, given the accessibility of digital marketplaces and the rise of digital-only consoles.
The US is also facing the same trend in sales, as published by Statista stating that in 2018, 83% of video game sales were digital downloads, compared to 17% of physical sales. But, historically, downloading games hasn’t always been the preferred method. Looking back to 2009, 80% of game sales were via physical purchases despite the Xbox Marketplace launching in 2005 and the PlayStation store launching in 2006. So what changed to make digitally downloading titles more appealing?
The influence of online shops
Today’s civilization would be unimaginable without digital marketplaces like the Nintendo eShop, Xbox Marketplace, PlayStation Store, and Steam. Just like you would see on the actual shelves and standees in-store, columns are made to showcase games depending on what you like along with advertisements for new and forthcoming games. However, there is no fear of items being out of stock or a delayed delivery eating up valuable game time. Additionally, there is no chance of receiving a defective item, such a disc with damage. Instead, provided your internet connection is powerful enough, it is straightforward and convenient.
In today’s society, digital marketplaces like the Nintendo eShop, Xbox Marketplace, PlayStation Store, and Steam are comparable to entering a game store. Similar to what you would see on the physical shelves and standees in-store, columns are made to present games depending on your preferences alongside promotions for new and forthcoming games. However, there is no chance of items being out of stock or a delayed delivery eating up valuable game time. Additionally, there is no chance of receiving a subpar item, such a broken disc. Instead, provided you have a robust internet connection, it’s quick and easy.
The dominance of digital on consoles
Additionally, the emergence of systems that solely support digital content has forced gamers to favour digital downloads over physical copies. Without spending money on a PS5 or Xbox Series X, gamers can now access next-gen gaming thanks to the introduction of the Xbox Series S and PS5 Digital Edition. Personally, I think it makes more sense to buy a less expensive console than one with a disc drive you’ll only use sometimes when a physical purchase turns out to be less expensive.
Even the introduction of physical releases gives the impression that buying a physical game is no longer as straightforward as it once was. Instead, massive ‘collectors’ or ‘deluxe’ editions are frequently published alongside large titles. Even if you still get a casing for the game, it’s unusual to get a cartridge or disc instead of a download code, like when God of War: Ragnarok’s ‘Jötnar Edition’ was released. It gives consumers with a huge selection of game-related goods, perfect for collectors, but only a download code for the PS5 and PS4 versions of the game rather than a disc.
The future of physical games
The collector in me is happy that I’ll still be able to purchase some of my favourite games in physical form, but I believe it’s time for me to accept the future of game sales for the sake of affordability and convenience.
The cost of physical copies has gone up due to the popularity of deluxe and collectors editions over individual games, and if sales continue to decline as predicted, no more physical copies will be sold. This suggests that the day of digital-only gaming may be closer than we think, and I don’t think I’d be too upset about it.
source from: msn.com
