Physical media are disappearing. Video games are next
The video game industry is shifting away from physical media, with major titles and platforms moving toward digital-only distribution. This transition mirrors the earlier decline of physical formats in the music and film industries.
Why it matters
This shift impacts consumer ownership rights, the preservation of gaming history, and the accessibility of games for future generations.
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen 5:38 Paul Sakuma/AP A shopped looks at video games at GameStop in Palo Alto, Calif. (Paul Sakuma/AP) “Grand Theft Auto 6” won’t come on a disc. Retail purchases will just be empty boxes with download codes.
Following that unpopular announcement, PlayStation declared that they’d discontinue physical game releases in 2028.
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