Summary
The shift toward a digital-only gaming landscape seems inevitable. Publishers and platform holders are increasingly favoring digital distribution, pushing for consoles without disc drives, subscription services, and even abandoning physical editions entirely — since this is more profitable for them. In recent years, several major game releases, includingHi-Fi Rush,Diablo 2: Resurrected(except for Switch),Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, andAlan Wake 2(which saw a partial reversal),have skipped physical releases at launch.
Yet, many players still advocate for physical editions, particularly on consoles. While services like Steam have reshaped the mindset of PC gamers, there’s an ongoing debate about digital ownership. It’s been demonstrated through multiple cases that players don’t truly own their digital games — titles have been removed entirely from online stores, and Steam’s user agreement clarifies thatplayers only purchase licenses, not the actual games. So, what are the real benefits of owning a physical game copy in 2024?
1Collecting And Owning Purposes
For Many, Buying The Physical Disc Means Truly Owning The Game
For many players, purchasing a physical copy of a game is closely associated with truly owning it, rather than merely buying a downloadable version online. This sentiment holds even though owning a physical copy does not guarantee that the game will continue to function indefinitely. This concern is particularly relevant for online-only or live-service titles, which can be shut down relatively quickly. Recentexamples include the abrupt closure ofConcordand the equallynotable shutdown ofThe Crew.
Nonetheless, many players find comfort in the tangible nature of physical copies. The ability to own something that can be seen, touched, and proudly displayed on a shelf provides a sense of security and satisfaction. After all, few pleasures in life rival the joy of having a complete collection of a beloved game series displayed prominently above one’s gaming setup.
2Easy To Share
Just Hand Over Your Copy For Friends To Enjoy
One of the joys of owning a physical game copy is the freedom to share it with friends, with no restrictions on installation across devices. While it’s possible to share digital libraries through account sharing, this method comes with security risks and limitations — such as being unable to activate the same account on multiple devices at once. Handing over a physical copy, on the other hand, is simple and hassle-free.
With a single physical disc, multiple people can enjoy a game in succession or play on different accounts within the same household. While lending a copy does reduce potential sales for developers, it’s still a great way to introduce new games to friends or let them try a title before making a purchase. For gamers on a budget, this is an ideal method to share the experience.
3Getting Games Cheaper
Players Can Snag Games For A Fraction Of The Cost Through Sales Or Secondary Markets
One major advantage of sticking to physical copies is the ability to get console games at a fraction of their original price. Retailers frequently offer deep discounts to clear out inventory, allowing lucky buyers to pick up relatively new titles for far less than their digital counterparts.
Additionally, players can turn to secondary markets, purchasing used physical games from others at discounts of more than 50%. While this may not directly support developers, it’s a great option for those on a budget or for anyone wanting to explore different genres without paying full price. In some cases, older games that are no longer available on digital storefronts due to licensing issues can only be found in physical form, making secondary markets even more valuable.
4Faster Installation
Players Can Install Their Games Up To 50% Faster
With the prevalence of huge patches these days, even players who own physical versions of games are often required to download substantial portions of the game during installation. This includes massive day-one patches that can sometimes reach ridiculous sizes, raising concerns about whether gaming discs are being printed too early — before critical issues have been addressed and resolved.
In various countries and regions, download speeds for games and updates can vary significantly, leading to a disparity in installation experiences. In many cases, installing a game directly from a disc can be considerably faster than downloading it online. Additionally, players will typically need to free up less space on their console’s hard drive when opting for a disc installation. This can be a significant advantage for players who frequently enjoy a diverse library of games and tend to juggle multiple titles at once, as it helps them manage their storage more efficiently.
5Playing Without The Internet
Players Can Enjoy Their Games Offline Or Access Day-One Versions At Will
One significant advantage that physical copies provide is the ability to install and play games while the console isn’t connected to the internet. This offline capability can be a major draw for players who want to avoid potential disruptions caused by server issues or patch downloads. While it’s important to note that not every physical game is guaranteed to function properly without an online connection — many titles do come with mandatory online requirements — single-player games often allow players to enjoy the full experience entirely offline, without needing to connect to servers or download updates.
This offline functionality also offers a unique benefit: the opportunity to check out day-one versions of games that may no longer be available digitally. For example, games likeCyberpunk 2077have undergone significant changes and updates since their initial release, making the original version a unique experience. While it may be hard to imagine that this practice is a common hobby among most players, there remains a niche group of enthusiasts who are drawn to exploring earlier, unpatched versions of some titles. Therefore, physical discs can be a valuable asset for those interested in preserving gaming history or simply experiencing a game in its original form.
