Increase in File Downloads Observed
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The games industry is experiencing a significant shift towards digital downloads, with physical sales declining in relevance and market share. However, a recent survey by market research firm YouGov, commissioned by the games industry association, indicates that console game buyers still prefer physical copies.
According to the survey data, last year, 56% of console games were bought on a physical data carrier, a decrease from 68% in 2023. Meanwhile, digital game purchases are on the rise, with 44% of console games now being downloaded, an increase from 40% in the previous year.
The shift towards digital downloads for console games is not as pronounced as it is for PC games, where nearly all games are now downloaded instead of bought on a disc. In Germany, for instance, the share of digital game sales rose to 68% in 2024, with PC games overwhelmingly purchased digitally.
The rise in digital game purchases represents a shift away from the predominant physical sales of previous years. The trend is influenced by factors such as the convenience of digital downloads, faster internet connections, and services like pre-loading and game subscription models like Game Pass and PS Plus. Environmental concerns about the plastic packaging and shipping involved in physical media also favor digital distribution.
However, the physical market remains important for collectors and some indie developers, often supported by niche publishers specializing in limited physical runs. Major publishers like Nintendo and Capcom continue to commit to physical releases for consoles, valuing physical media for game preservation.
Many physical copies today often only contain a digital download key rather than the full game data, blurring the line between physical and digital. The "YouGov Shopper" panel, which represents around 25,000 consumers, provided the survey data for this report. However, the survey data does not specify the proportion of console games bought on Blu-ray discs last year, nor does it provide information on the sales figures for physical and digital console games.
In summary, the current trend in game purchasing shows a strong and ongoing shift from physical data carriers to digital downloads for both PC and console games. However, console buyers still show a preference for physical copies, with digital purchases rapidly growing but not yet dominating the market. The "YouGov Shopper" panel regularly asks consumers about their shopping and usage habits.
Gadgets such as consoles remain popular among gamers, with many still preferring physical copies of their favorite games. In contrast, technology advancements, like faster internet connections and game subscription models, fuel the growth of digital game downloads.
