The gaming industry continues to move towards digital distribution across PC and console. Sony’s planned shift away from physical releases for new PlayStation games from January 2028 is one recent example of that direction.
But physical formats still have a firm audience. New YouGov data shows that 51% of console gamers generally prefer discs or cartridges, compared with 32% who prefer digital purchases. Among PC gamers, preference for digital copies rises to 40%, but a third still prefer physical ones (32%).
Ownership keeps physical games relevant
Among gamers who prefer physical copies, 81% say permanent ownership is a reason for doing so. Seven in ten are concerned that digital games could become unavailable in future.
The ability to buy pre-owned games is also important, cited by 65%. More than half value being less dependent on internet access (56%) or enjoy collecting physical games (52%). Half like being able to lend or give games to others, while 46% value the option to sell or trade them after playing.
Digital gaming competes on convenience
Immediate access is the leading reason gamers prefer digital formats, selected by 54%. Around two in five value being able to access games across multiple devices (41%), finding discounts more easily (40%) or paying less for digital titles (40%).
Other advantages include not needing to store or change discs or cartridges (36%) and being less likely to lose or damage a game (35%). One in seven say they do not own a device that can play physical games.
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Most gamers oppose the end of physical releases
Nearly three in five gamers oppose video game companies no longer releasing new titles on discs or cartridges (57%), including 38% who strongly oppose the move. Just 12% support it.
Opposition also extends beyond physical-game buyers: 47% of gamers who prefer digital copies oppose the removal of physical releases.
Hardware choice could be affected too. More than half of gamers say they would be less likely to choose a gaming system that does not support physical games (53%). This includes 85% of physical-game preferers and 41% of digital-game preferers.
Permanent access could make digital-only gaming more acceptable
Among gamers opposed to digital-only releases, 65% say a guarantee that purchased games will remain permanently accessible would make them more comfortable with the shift.
Lower digital game prices follow at 55%. More storage and cheaper hardware that does not support physical games are each selected by 42%, while 38% want the ability to sell or transfer digital purchases.
Around a third would value lending digital games to others (35%) or better refund policies (32%). Smaller shares favour an external disc-drive option (26%) or the ability to convert existing physical games into digital copies (25%).
Digital distribution may offer speed and convenience, but physical games continue to carry clear value for many players. Based on the data findings, a move towards digital-only ecosystems will need to address concerns around access, ownership and price.
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Methodology: YouGov polled 1,500 U.S. adults online on 5 July. Of these, 471 individuals met the initial Console/PC gamers criteria – i.e., those that play on console/PC for at least one hour per week. The survey was carried out through YouGov Surveys: Self-serve. Data is weighted by age, gender, education level, race, and region.
