Generative Data Intelligence

Fans Are Buying Fewer Boxed Video Games Than Ever in the US

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Fans Are Buying Fewer Boxed Video Games Than Ever in the US 1

Sales of boxed video games in USA slumped to their lowest point in over 25 years in 2024, according to data released by market research organisation Circana.

According to the data, revenue generated by physical software has more than halved since 2021, and is a whopping 85% below its peak in 2008.

It’s obviously no secret that consumer habits have gradually been transitioning towards digital releases. That’s due to a number of factors: price, convenience, availability, and – perhaps most prominently – the pandemic.

But this startling data underlines exactly why Sony released the PS5 Pro without a disc drive included. According to analyst Mat Piscatella, 49% of all PS5 hardware sold in the US last year did not include a disc drive.

None of this means physical games are going away, of course. Sony still produces boxed copies of all of its major titles, and there are markets where physical remains a strong option for consumers.

However, it’s clear the industry is moving in a very specific direction, and no matter how you feel about it, there’s probably very little you can do to change its trajectory at this point.

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