Why Digital Games Remain Gamers’ First Choice Despite Preservation Concerns

Video Gaming has come a long way, and so has my unforgettable journey with this medium. I still remember the good old days of standing in lines, waiting in anticipation for the fancy new release. Looking back today, it might have been tedious, but that inexplicable feeling of relish getting the new game is a fond memory of mine. But you don’t have to worry about this.

With technology comes the extreme ease of playing games today. You have online stores, digital games, and subscription services; your favorite games are just one click away. Physical games are undoubtedly still meritorious, but you can’t deny the pros of going digital, either. Sounds exciting? Go ahead and securely buy Vanilla e-gift card on Eneba, top up your wallets, and a world of gaming opens up.

The Unfortunate Decline Of Physical Games

Before I begin, I should make it clear that I’m not here to advocate “buy digital games” or “kill physical games”. In fact, I’m the most staunch supporter of physical media out there. However, there’s no denying that the world as a whole is slowly but surely shifting its priorities, for better or worse.

My Not-so-Obvious Reason for Mourning the Decline of Physical Media
byu/Hwbam33 ingamecollecting

Physical games have been on a decline for quite some time, no matter how much we try to convince ourselves otherwise. Ever since the Internet, the value and comfort of digital purchases are unmatched. Manufacturing physical media is a hassle, and above all, these companies want to have full control over the games. Why wouldn’t they go for digital-only?

Preservation and ownership concerns are at their peak. Since digital media is essentially a license, it can be revoked at any time. Everyone knows these flaws, yet the growth and popularity of digital media continues to soar. What does that tell you? It means there’s something so good about digital games that it outweighs the cons.

Comfort And Accessibility Of Digital Games Beat All

The most important reason why digital media is gamers’ first choice these days is the ease of use. Seeking comfort is one of humanity’s basal instincts, and the driving force behind the will to grow. All these inventions and technological developments we see today are because we, as humans, wanted comfort.

It’s no surprise that digital games are so appealing. When I can purchase a game sitting in my room with one click, download it, and start playing without ever having to leave, will I opt for the tiresome alternative? You be the judge. If it costs the same, people tend to choose the easier option rather than the strenuous one. Sometimes, people even pay extra if it means smooth sailing.

Besides, digital games are extremely accessible. What if you want to purchase your most anticipated game in physical form, and it’s out of stock everywhere due to popular demand? At least they’ll never “run out” of digital games. What’s more, with subscription services, you get a ton of games in one place, which brings me to my next point.

Everybody Loves A Good Deal

Next in line on reasons people buy digital games more is that they can get a pretty good deal on sales more often than not. Big sales like the Steam Summer Sale or seasonal sales on the PS Store usually have pretty decent discounts, and you can come away with a jumbo haul at a reasonable price. Nothing beats the dopamine rush of seeing that sweet 90% off on a game.

Me every steam sale knowing full well I won’t play any of the games!
byu/Valar27 inSteam

Physical games indeed have the possibility of resale, and thus can be an even better deal overall, but consider this. First, the disc must never get damaged, as an accident will spell the doom of your investment. Second, most people don’t like to “invest now, sell later” and would much rather buy the game cheaper now, which is a valid argument.

But above all, what makes digital games that superior choice is the existence of subscription services like Game Pass and PS Plus. For one monthly fee of, let’s say, 15$, you get access to a whole library of games. During good months, this is a killer deal with a lot of value. These game subscription services alone make a strong case for digital gaming.

It’s the Digital Games Era 

As much as it pains me to admit it, physical games are slowly becoming obsolete. It took a lot of courage to point out all these good things about digital games while I was hurting inside, but facts are facts. Digital games are comfortable, accessible, cheap, and readily available. People like all these things, and overlook the fact that they never own digital games.

Preservation and ownership should never be forsaken, but it’s the bleak reality that slowly, they’re being discarded. The superiority of digital games doesn’t mean physical media has nothing left of merit. In fact, it’s the opposite. All I want is for both physical games and digital games to exist. People deserve a chance to choose, not the choice being made for them.