Physical games are becoming collectors items

Philipp Rüegg

28.6.2023

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Physical copies of Alan Wake 2 and Starfield will only include a download code instead of a disc. An understandable move, but a pity – and not just for collectors.

Game stores used to have something magical about them. Shelves full of cardboard boxes invited you to browse. Even the most ordinary title came in a big box that could easily hold ten PS5 discs. They offered plenty of room for a creative cover and descriptions on the back. Holding a box like this in my hand triggered a completely different feeling than today’s generic plastic sleeves.

It was like a treasure hunt for particularly unique packaging. These oversized special editions, which stood out on shelves, attracted the eyes of curious gamers. I’ll never forget certain designs, like Doom’s snarling red demon. But those days are over. Not only have stores almost completely disappeared, game boxes are getting smaller and smaller. As of late, they don’t even include the physical game.

Bethesda announced that the upcoming sci-fi epic Starfield won’t include a disc. The sole exception is the Xbox standard version. The PC version and Collectors Edition are sold with a download code only. Game studio Remedy even moved on from discs completely for Alan Wake 2. Apparently giving them more time to optimise the game. After all, discs are usually produced several months before release.

Packaging as part of the game

Even though my PC hasn’t had a Blu-Ray drive for ages, which makes sense environmentally too, something is lost by not having discs. For one thing, the digital revolution makes archiving games more difficult. Secondly, you can no longer trade or sell games. For consoles, this is still possible at the moment. One irrational, but emotional point is seen in collecting. When I buy a physical copy, I want a disc. Otherwise I’m missing something. Game packaging has been getting neutered more and more for years.

I noticed this in particular clarity during my week-long retro binge. Mega Drive games, for example, are packaged in gorgeous, bulky, heavy cases. This isn’t only due to the game’s format, there was always a nicely designed booklet to go with it. It was the same with PC games, which graced my shelves for years. Before the switch to boring DVD cases, I collected them with enthusiasm. Unboxing games used to be a highlight. I look back lovingly at those thick, multi-CD cases. You actually got to touch, feel and hold something. Today, a single-sided advertising brochure falling out of the Blu-Ray case is the most exciting things will get. On the other hand, I don’t miss the tedious installation process and CD change.

True, this development isn’t only negative. Purchasing a physical standard version is becoming more and more of a farce. Instead, the number of lovingly designed special editions that were previously only available as downloads or only came in a default plastic case is ever growing. It’s quite possible that physical games will go the way of vinyl, a graceful retirement as collector’s items. The disc only serves as an ornament, only included with collectors editions for very special games. Those will always have a spot free on my shelf.

Philipp Rüegg

Senior Editor

Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.ch

Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur. more

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