Analyst Believes Most AAA Games Will Be Digital Only By 2028

Expert Verified By

The Death of Physical Games Next Generation?

Physical games have been an important part of the gaming industry for several decades. However, with the increasing shift toward digital media, physical games have begun to lose importance for general audiences.

Recently, Alan Wake 2 was announced to be a digital-only release. Fans have discussed the potential death of physical games for several years, and this announcement led to another discussion around the subject.

Following the discussion, an analyst has predicted that digital-only releases for major AAA games will become common by 2028.

Why it matters: Digital games are usually more convenient, but physical games have the unique benefit of preservation. They also allow users to trade or sell older titles.

Mat Piscatella is a games analyst at Circana who has been known to report on various parts of the industry. According to the analyst, digital-only releases will become more common over the next two years.

Recent console releases like the PS5 Digital Edition and the Xbox Series S show a similar trend. While previous generation consoles have shipped with a disc drive at launch, both Microsoft and Sony introduced digital options from the beginning of the current generation.

Many deluxe and collector’s editions have also begun to include digital codes for games. Additionally, bundles like the PS5 Horizon Forbidden West console do not include physical discs for consumers.

The PC gaming industry has already adopted a digital-only future, with storefronts like Steam and Epic Games Store. However, used disc games are still an important part of console gaming.

Abandoning physical releases would lead to concerns about preservation. Titles like Activision’s Spider-Man games were removed from digital stores after several years, but physical discs allow fans to enjoy such titles even after they are taken down.

Therefore, the industry might face some backlash when transitioning toward the future of digital games.

Previously, digital-only releases were mostly limited to indie games like Rocket League and Cuphead. However, these games also received physical editions later down the line.

With the industry quickly moving toward a digital future, it would not be surprising to see AAA games following a similar pattern, with physical media becoming the exception rather than the norm.

Was our article helpful? 👨‍💻

Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋

How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔

Gear Up For Latest News

Get exclusive gaming & tech news before it drops. Sign up today!

Join Our Community

Still having issues? Join the Tech4Gamers Forum for expert help and community support!

Latest News

Join Our Community

104,000FansLike
32,122FollowersFollow

Trending

Nintendo Says Switch 2 Demand Already Far Exceeds Expectations

Nintendo states demand for the Switch 2 is already much higher than the company expected, with over 2 million sales expected in Japan.

Ghost of Yotei October 2 Release Announced In Stunning New Trailer

Ghost of Yotei has received a brand new trailer, revealing a glimpse at the game's story and official release date.

Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered Will Be Launching For Switch 2, Claims Insider

A credible leaker has claimed that Bethesda is actively working on a Switch 2 port for Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered.

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Review Roundup: A Classic RPG In The Making

Clair Obscur: Expedition review embargo just lifted, and it has garnered some excellent scores, marking a great debut game for the studio.

Ex-Blizzard Boss Criticises Oblivion Remastered, Says The Bar Has Moved To RPGs Like Elden Ring

Mike Ybarra showed skepticism regarding Oblivion Remastered saying that older games like it won't hold up against RPGs like Elden Ring.