News of Best Buy stopping physical media sales has rocked the Internet as more and more people are starting to feel that we are this close to seeing the end of an era.
Why is Best Buy stopping Physical Media sales?
The news was first picked up by The Digital Bits, an online newsletter that shares information about entertainment formats like DVD, Blu-ray, and digital streaming. They reported that through reliable sources, Best Buy is apparently dead set on halting all productions of physical media.
Best Buy will phase out sales of DVDs and Blu-ray discs both in-store and online in early 2024. https://t.co/Qq4two6W3B
— Variety (@Variety) October 13, 2023
- For the uninitiated, Best Buy is known for releasing items like steelbooks for games and movies.
- This plays a big part in their sales as steelbooks are a big hit, especially with collectors.
It’s important to note that it was only a matter of time before Best Buy decided to pull the plug on selling Blu-ray and DVDs.
- For a while now, consumers have observed that BB stores are slowly reducing their inventory, and most items are usually not in stock.
- That alone is enough of a hint that sales for physical media aren’t good, and looking at things from a business perspective, it’s not surprising that this may be the reason why they’ve made this tough decision.
Will other stores like GameStop and Target follow suit?
There is no telling whether other similar retailers like GameStop and Target will follow in the footsteps of Best Buy. However, it is quite concerning for us who prefer physical media over digital media as this may hint that physical versions of stuff like games and movies are becoming obsolete.
this is so sad. i’ve spent so much time going up and down the best buy blu ray section. they usually have fantastic deals and such a great selection.
i hate the digital era so much https://t.co/ueqlWKUb7w
— ike (@ik2onmovies) October 12, 2023
The introduction of services like streaming and buying games from an online storefront definitely has us worrying about what can happen in the future. Time will only tell whether stores like GameStop, Target, and Walmart make the same decision as BB.
What does this mean for the future of gaming?
Movie buffs weren’t the only ones feeling worried after this news broke out. Gamers also feared for the future of the video game industry after this big move from Best Buy.
I read the story about Best Buy potentially phasing out the sale of physical media as soon as early 2024.
The funny thing is many, many game series have broken physical sales records over the last 10 years.
The demand for physical games is still strong! pic.twitter.com/IHRSMVmaN6
— Stealth (@Stealth40k) October 12, 2023
In recent years, PC gamers aren’t the only ones buying from digital storefronts like Steam or the Epic Games Store. PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch users are also becoming more and more acquainted with their console’s respective online stores.
Although the recent news about Best Buy doesn’t mention anything about physical copies of video games, the future is always uncertain. Physical discs for video games pose more expenses for publishers, but they’re honestly one of the best things about being a gamer.
Digital vs Physical
In our opinion, nothing beats the excitement of tearing that plastic wrap off of a case and opening it up to reveal a shiny CD stored securely inside. Though there are plenty of benefits to digital media, video games included, it’s not the same as owning the physical version.
https://twitter.com/LockIsLive/status/1712543082087133366
- Think about it: what if your grandkid finds your dusty console in the attic? Would you prefer them to use a hard drive to load up all your games or physical discs with each distinct cover and case? We bet that nothing would beat the look on their faces as they look at your disc collection in awe.
- It’s not only the nostalgia we’re talking about. Physical versions, whether you go with the standard or collector’s edition, may already be considered collectibles.
- Owning a physical copy may also be a better option for gamers with limited internet access, as you won’t have to face the challenges of downloading or preloading a 100GB game.
- Plus, you won’t have to worry about getting an external hard drive that would have enough storage for your gaming needs.
- If a game gets removed from your preferred storefront, you won’t have to worry about losing access just because of licensing issues.
We’re not saying there are no pros to using digital media, but the world has already gone digital enough. Hopefully, this isn’t the end of an era for physical media (especially in gaming), as some claim.
