Study Finds Gamers Are Moving Away From Physical Discs

Physical copies make up about 30% of console libraries among 6,000 active players surveyed by Newzoo. Most prefer digital games for the convenience of buying and accessing them.

The future of boxed video game releases remains a subject of debate as major companies gradually move away from discs. To understand how players feel about the issue, Newzoo surveyed 6,000 players from countries around the world.

Physical media account for approximately 30% of the console games owned by survey participants. Across the entire market, including free-to-play games and modern subscription services, the share of discs is even smaller. Digital stores appeal to users because games are available immediately after purchase, libraries are always at hand, and players do not have to swap discs in their consoles.

Players who still choose boxed editions cite several advantages, including owning a physical copy and being able to resell games or lend them to friends. Discs also make players less dependent on internet speeds and server stability. For collectors, the ability to display attractive editions on shelves is another important factor.

The figures show that digital distribution is gradually displacing physical copies, turning them into a niche format for collectors.