The topic of the progressive and visibly unstoppable dematerialization of video games has been causing a lot of discussion for several years. Sales of dematerialized games continue to grow, to the great delight of publishers, who have everything to win by only selling dematerialized games. However, some viewers still prefer boxing. Which seems to be the case with European PS5 players.
In Europe, PS5 players still prefer to buy physical games. This information was announced by Global Sales Data during the virtual conference GI Live: London
PlayStation players in Europe are loyal to physical games
Between November 2020 and the end of August 2021, sales of PS5 games exceeded those of dematerialized games in Europe by 51%. According to GSD, digital games have never sold better than boxing games during this entire period.
In fact, physical games have systematically been ahead since November. And as mentioned above, that difference has grown stronger over time. In December 2020, 4 out of 5 physical PS5 games sold were purchased on the PlayStation Store. At the end of August this European ratio was 3 to 2.
10.14 million physical games were sold between the European launch of the PS5 and the end of August 2021. During the same period, “only” 7.51 million dematerialized games were purchased. During this period, digital games never exceeded the million mark. Boxed Games did this five times, however.
In Europe we are investing in plastic on PS5
The site Games industryPassing on these figures, GSD analyzes box game sales in 23 countries. And when it comes to digital game sales, it analyzes data from 49 territories. GSD believes that there are many reasons for this situation.
First of all, because of the high price of the games, consumers would prefer to switch to the physical versions. Then came the traditional desire to be able to lend or resell their games. Finally, GSD says dematerialized sales often affect older titles. The PS5 is an up-to-date console, so the number of dematerialized games available is limited.
GSD’s statistics, when correct, show that physical play is resistance. At least on the European PS5 side.
What do you think of this statistic? Do they surprise you? Do you think physical games still have a future on PS5 or elsewhere? Tell us all about it in the comments below.