this post was submitted on 29 Nov 2023
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Of course they do. They want to snuff out physical copies so that subscriptions become the norm, they rapidly increase prices like Netflix and they're the defacto market leader. Anybody paying attention can see this is the strategy.
No one needs to actively snuff out physical games. Convenience (i.e. digital distribution) always wins, and think the market has already spoken. Subscription-based gaming - streaming in particular - is the logical evolution. I'm positive we will see that transition in our lifetime.
It's already happening. I work in fintech and specifically fintech that deals with gaming, and we're already seeing the shift away from physical. Retailers are removing physical products from their stores in favor of digital distribution.
Sure, but digital distribution is a far cry from subscription-based distribution, let alone streaming-based gaming. PC games have been 99% digital sales for years. I don't doubt that services like GamePass will grow in coming years, but I find it hard to believe that we're anywhere near not being able to pay a flat rate for a permanent license to a game.
A shift to digital games will happen, but I doubt subscription based gaming is going to become the norm within my lifetime.