The future of physical games is not looking great
The video game industry is rapidly shifting toward digital-only distribution, with major publishers reporting that the vast majority of sales are now digital. This trend is driven by convenience and the release of digital-only consoles, potentially signaling the end of physical game media.
Why it matters
The decline of physical media impacts game ownership, preservation, and the secondary market for collectors and gamers.
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How it started
As a kid, I relished trips to Best Buy, GameStop, and the nearby mall so that I could browse video games. I loved sifting through games and chatting with my friends at the store about upcoming releases. On the lucky days I actually got a new game from the store, I treasured reading through every page of the manual on the drive home. Over the years, I built up a collection of games that I was proud of.
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