Every gen we edge closer to digital only. Covid, restrictions and console shortages to demand probably accelerated. Do you think in a generation or two we'll be away from games you touch? If stores are shrinking their retail blueprint and Gamestop is struggling doesn't that signal a shift? I was only a physical guy through Gamefly. Physical was always a means to an end to me. Shelves look nice but if it's just for viewing what's the point? Play, finish, delete, move the fuck on. - Probably why I don't game anymore, I lost the attachment. Or just a symptom of clinical depression. Somewhere after the move to carts I just didn't feel as close to video games anymore. The physical game was changing. Maybe it's just nostalgia, but didn't carts have like a different FEEL to them? Even if ps1 was cooler to teens, that N64 cart was special yo. Don't pull out a lame ass jewel case son.

My store still don't carry ps5s and they might never as their vidya section keeps shrinking. I wonder if the shortages affected demand in stores? Gamestop struggling doesn't help and that's clearly a sign of a digital future.

The convenience of push notification downloads is hard to beat. Nintendo is always slow to adapt and needs to lower dem prices but otherwise physical can die today and I'd be fine. "But you don't own the games and the SERVAHS" - Dude once I'm done with the game I'm DONE. Do iiitttttttttttttt.

Where you at in this? Still clinging kicking and screaming?

Cart era you basically lost everything but the cart the first day. Five minutes after opening and starting the game was the last I ever saw of the cardboard. It wasn't until the CD and later DVD era that booklets were kept. Always had my original cases and the inserts. Coupons and ads yeah pitch but the book always pristine. Hated whenever people had lost or missing parts of their game. How'd you lose the book? If I don't have it, it means someone STOLE it. That's always my first go to answer. Someone stole it.

Does it bother anyone when people don't treat their plastic junk with respect?

I think games are easier to obtain digitally and it's as effortlessly as possible nowadays where it takes a few clicks if at that to get the games immediately. I am still someone who favors physical and if given the choice, would prefer physical, especially when it comes to stuff from like Nintendo who have a bad history when it comes to EShop purchases and all.

It's no doubt that games sold digitally cost companies less but between the amount of size it eats up on your console and again the fact that you don't physically own the game license(See the Scott Pilgrim fiasco that happened for years until the game was re-released 1-2 years ago or P.T.), there is still a place for physical.

The catch of a PS5 digital vs PS5 physical was the appeal that for $100 less, you can play the same games with no limitations. However, I have found sales are easier to get with physical copies of games which all together, adds up to be well worth more than the initial $100 dollars off.

As for brick and mortar stores like Gamestop going extinct, well there's no real way to avoid that from happening. It's just much easier to go and get games from Amazon online for example. If Gamestop was well respected for great customer service, you'd still see people support it but more and more people steer away from them due to various shenanigans.

The fact that gaming is cheaper digitally is ultimately what is killing physical media. The deep cuts to prices you get on steam come fast and often.

I'm a diehard stickler when it comes to physical. I'm 70% digital, 30 physical and yes getting to play a game at midnight without the worry of driving out and getting my copy is certainly an ease on my mind, or waiting for the delivery to arrive. But I do enjoy collecting my favorites series (ratchet and clank, resident evil, silent hill, rockstar games) in physicals and still love the steelbooks which a digital game can never provide. Even if I bought a thing a long time ago (digital), I'll still buy it physical for display. Bought RE2 remake the other day for 8 bucks!