It is no secret that digitally distributed games are growing, and that physical media is on the decline. And this happens quickly. Now it seems that we are at a tipping point, because according to a report from The Digital Bits the largest US electronics retailer Best Buy has decided to stop selling all physical media. Possibly as early as 2024.
This applies not only to games, but also to movies on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD and music (and more). The decision applies both online and in-store, and it looks like this is just the beginning. Because another giant – Walmart – is rumored to be headed in the same direction, according to Limited Run Games CEO Josh Fairhurst. And he should know a thing or two about this, as his company specializes in physical video games and collector’s editions.
Lately there have been rumors that Nintendo’s next console will be launched in two versions, one of which will be all-digital in 2024, and it was recently leaked that Microsoft is planning an all-digital Xbox Series X next year. Add in the fact that Sony announced an all-digital version of the PlayStation 5 “slim” just a few days ago – and it looks like physical games may soon be a thing of the past (as they have been for PC for a long time), as stores won’t sell them and the consoles won’t play them.
What do you think of this development?
A rare sight in the future.
2023-10-13 00:44:52
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