New Report Is Seriously Bad News for Physical Game Releases

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A newly-released study indicates that the lion’s share of video game purchases in Germany today are digital versions, underscoring a developing trend that may cause unease among enthusiasts who appreciate traditional physical games. To many individuals, this shift might not seem surprising given the growing preference for downloadable games, regardless of their preferred format. Moreover, an expanding list of titles, encompassing both PC and console platforms, are exclusively distributed digitally.

Experiencing the ownership of tangible games offers numerous perks beyond simply triggering nostalgia. For enthusiasts, there’s an unmatched joy in filling shelves with games, each emblematic of unique color schemes that symbolize entire console eras and stir a flood of memories. Businesses like Limited Run Games, Playasia, and iam8bit acknowledge the ongoing desire for the tangible versions of cherished titles. Many individuals once considered having a physical copy of a game as the ultimate form of ownership, providing protection from the transient nature of digital media. However, it’s important to note that even owning a real disc or cartridge doesn’t ensure a game will be playable indefinitely, as highlighted by the Stop Killing Games campaign.

2025 saw repeated mentions that physical game sales in the U.S. were declining, and a recent report by the German Games Industry Association corroborates this trend in Germany too. According to their findings, about 7 out of every 10 games purchased in Germany are now digital, with 99% of PC games bought digitally in 2024. However, most console game purchases remain physical at a rate of 56%. Although it’s good news that the trend is continuing, there was still a 4% decrease compared to 2023.

Digital Game Purchases Are Taking Lead in the Industry

It’s anticipated that the drop in traditional store sales for video games will persist, as seen by the German Games Association’s findings four years ago, where digital sales accounted for only 93% of PC game sales. Germany being one of Europe‘s largest gaming markets, a similar shift towards digital purchases is also noticeable elsewhere. The Digital Entertainment and Retail Association, based in the UK, projected that as much as 89.5% of video game transactions in the UK were online in the year 2022.

A significant factor behind this trend is that some large retailers such as Tesco in the UK have discontinued the sale of physical video games completely. As late as June 2025, enthusiasts were swift to notice that most games unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase did not offer physical versions for purchase on their websites. However, in 2024, both Nintendo and Capcom have pledged their support for physical game releases, and heads of companies like Super Rare Games have emphasized the role of physical media in ensuring the preservation of video games.

The true worth of these physical releases is still uncertain, as more and more discs these days essentially function as keys to access digital downloads. Gamers are discovering that their physical media often doesn’t include any actual content. Even Nintendo has faced criticism regarding its game-key cards when the Switch 2 was launched in June. However, some games appear on traditional cartridges and come in boxes, but they too only contain a key to unlock a download.

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2025-07-29 20:58