In a rapidly evolving digital landscape where streaming services reign supreme, the fate of physical media like DVDs and video games is in the balance. There is speculation that retail giant Walmart may be making a strategic move away from physical gaming, discontinuing Xbox games in the near future, and potentially scaling back even further in 2024.
Josh Fairhurst, CEO of video game distributor Limited Run Games, recently tweeted: For next year. ” This statement raises questions about the future of physical gaming at Walmart.
Walmart has not yet commented on this speculation, but the trend toward eliminating physical media is already clear. Best Buy, for example, recently confirmed its decision to exit the DVD and Blu-Ray disc business entirely. Additionally, just as Walmart is about to take over the studio distribution service, Ingram Entertainment, a major DVD and Blu-ray distributor, has announced that it is exiting the industry.
Not only DVDs and Blu-Rays, but also video game discs could be on the verge of extinction. Gamers are increasingly turning to online stores and digital media, preferring the convenience and instant access that platforms like Xbox Game Pass offer. Additionally, Microsoft’s Xbox Series S does not include a disk drive to accommodate these changing consumer preferences.
While Fairhurst’s tweet specifically mentions Xbox games, it’s worth noting that both PlayStation and Nintendo offer their own subscription services and options to download or stream games. For example, Sony’s PlayStation Plus subscription service provides access to a wide range of games, from God of War to Mortal Kombat X.
Nearly 90% of games sold in 2022 were digital downloads, highlighting the growing dominance of digital purchases in the games industry, according to the UK-based industry group Digital Entertainment and Retail Association.
While specialty stores like GameStop are still thriving, major retailers like Walmart and Target, known for constantly adapting to market trends, may be reconsidering the future of physical gaming. There is a gender. As the demand for digital downloads continues to grow, the retail industry is likely to undergo major changes in the coming years.
Definition:
– Xbox Game Pass: A subscription service from Microsoft that provides access to a library of games for Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.
– Xbox Series S: A version of the Xbox Series X console that does not include a disk drive. Players can only access the game digitally.
source:
– Josh Fairhurst Tweet
– Best Buy confirms end of DVD and Blu-Ray discs
– Ingram Entertainment withdraws from DVD and Blu-Ray distribution
– Digital Entertainment and Retail Association estimates of digital game sales in 2022 (Source: Gamerant)