All articles tagged with #physical games
A retro game publisher, ININ Games, hinted at the possibility of smaller, cheaper Switch 2 cartridges, which could benefit physical game releases, but Nintendo has not officially confirmed these details, and the information was later retracted by the publisher.
Nintendo's Switch 2 is introducing game-key cards that act as download links rather than full physical copies, raising concerns about game ownership, preservation, and DRM. Critics argue this shift favors digital control over true ownership, risking the loss of access if servers go offline or if physical tokens are lost, potentially marking the end of physical game ownership for many players.
Early Prime Day deals offer significant discounts on PS5 games like Dragon Ball Sparking Zero and Indiana Jones, with further savings expected during the official sale. The article advocates for buying physical PS5 games due to cost savings and the ability to lend games, despite the convenience of digital. It also highlights other Prime Day gaming accessories deals and emphasizes the ongoing love for gaming hardware and software.
Microsoft is increasingly shifting towards digital-only releases for Xbox games, reducing physical editions and raising concerns about game preservation and consumer choice, despite official statements suggesting a balanced approach.
Ken Berry, CEO of Marvelous USA, discusses their commitment to high-quality physical game releases for Nintendo Switch 2, emphasizing full ROM cartridges over digital codes, their long-standing philosophy of adding value through creative packaging, and the challenges of launching on a new platform with unique manufacturing timelines.
Xbox head Phil Spencer stated that the company's strategy does not depend on a complete shift to all-digital gaming and getting rid of physical games, despite the challenges associated with manufacturing drives. He emphasized that Xbox will continue to follow consumer behavior and offer options for both disc and discless consoles, indicating that physical games will remain part of the future of Xbox.
Some European retailers are reportedly no longer stocking physical Xbox games due to low sales, with indications that Xbox is pushing away from physical releases. This potential shift reflects the industry's increasing digital dominance, as major Xbox games are becoming digital-only and reports suggest a future console refresh may remove the disc drive.
Several European retailers are reportedly no longer stocking physical Xbox games due to low sales, with claims that Microsoft has shuttered departments dedicated to bringing physical games to market. Legal documents leaked in September revealed potential plans for an all-digital Xbox Series X console, while some AAA games are already seeing over 80% digital sales on Xbox.
Microsoft has reportedly shut down departments dedicated to bringing physical Xbox games to retail as part of mass layoffs, leading to speculation about the company's future in physical game distribution. While it's not confirmed that Microsoft is quitting physical retail for Xbox games, the industry seems to be favoring a digital-only approach. Limited Run, a physical games publisher, has expressed its commitment to supporting Xbox physical releases whenever possible, but noted that the majority of Xbox gamers are digital-first. Additionally, there are reports of layoffs affecting internal customer support teams for Activision Blizzard games and significant staff reductions at Sledgehammer Games.
UK retailer GAME is reportedly ending its physical trade-ins next month, possibly due to the rise in digital game sales. Despite this, physical Nintendo Switch games remain popular, with many passionate fans and collectors still buying and holding onto them. The article also asks readers about their own habits of trading in physical Switch games.
An AI developed by researchers at ETH Zurich has mastered the physical board game Labyrinth in just six hours. Using model-based reinforcement learning and advanced planning algorithms, the AI robot, called CyberRunner, was able to navigate the maze faster than any previously recorded time. The achievement demonstrates how AI can solve physical-world problems through vision, physical interaction, and machine learning.
UK supermarket Tesco will no longer stock physical video games in its 2,800 stores, citing a shift towards digital entertainment among its customers. However, digital points cards will still be available. This comes as GameStop Ireland closes all 35 of its stores, reflecting the declining demand for physical games. The UK games market has seen a rapid acceleration towards digital, with less than 18% of major game sales in June being through physical stores.
Limited Run Games will host its annual showcase on July 12th via Twitch and YouTube, featuring "20+ new digital and physical announcements". The majority of announcements in past years have focused on Nintendo releases, so there could potentially be a lot more. Viewers can expect surprises similar to previous years.
The author reminisces about the excitement of attending midnight launches for physical games, which have become increasingly rare due to the rise of digital games. They believe that the gaming community has lost something by not having these events, which provided a sense of collectivity and excitement. The author hopes that console releases, such as the successor to the Nintendo Switch, may bring back the tradition of midnight launches.