Gaming needs a ‘vinyl revival’ — I spoke with gaming and music experts to find out whether physical games could make a comeback
Physical gaming media could be on the way out, but the music industry has the blueprint for how to bring it back.
In recent news, major gaming companies such as Rockstar Games, Sony, and Xbox have been shifting towards digital downloads, with some even ceasing production of physical discs altogether. This trend has raised concerns among gaming and music experts about the future of physical game media. Sony's decision to stop making physical game discs has had wider impacts on game preservation and accessibility, as people worry about the potential loss of games they deeply care about.
Additionally, the decline in physical game sales has mirrored the decline in brick-and-mortar gaming stores, with major retailers closing numerous locations. This shift has also affected independent game stores, which may struggle to survive if the market moves entirely towards digital sales. Interestingly, the vinyl record industry experienced a similar decline with the rise of digital downloads and streaming, but has recently seen a resurgence in popularity.
This vinyl comeback has been attributed to the community and connections that physical media fosters, which cannot be replicated through digital interactions. Experts believe that a similar revival could be possible for physical games, as they offer a tangible experience and a sense of community that digital downloads cannot provide.
Written by urgent.news from TechRadar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
