This week, I wanted to take a break from character pieces and write about another topic instead. I have always preferred physical games over digital games and in the last few years I’ve really been investing a lot in my collection. However, the way the gaming industry is headed has me a little concerned for what the future might hold and how much longer physical games will be around.
The Collector In Me
Ever since I was a kid, I have always had some kind of collection. Pokémon cards were certainly one of the first, along with Beanie Babies and Star Wars action figures. As an adult, my biggest invest is definitely video games. Now, I haven’t dabbled in the retro stuff yet so the “oldest” console I have games for is the PlayStation 3 but man what a console that was.
I’d have to say that for me though, it wasn’t until the PlayStation 4 that this collector’s mentality really kicked in. I’m not sure if it was because I finally had a big boy job or what, but it certainly took off. I’m a pretty avid collector’s edition collector as well, so this hobby of mine can get rather pricey depending on the time of the year. However, I have never once regretted adding to my collection and I never will.
I have thoroughly enjoyed adding each and every game to my shelf, even if my bedroom has become a glorified game room that I just happen to also sleep in. It has been a wonderful investment that I know I’ll always cherish for many reasons. Eventually I’ll need to separate my game room from my bedroom, but for the time being I rather enjoy living in my game sanctuary.
Forever Physical
The most important reason I make a point to snag physical copies when I can is because digital just is not permanent. If you look at Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’s history, it is the perfect example of why digital games aren’t the best choice. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was delisted from the online stores and you could no longer purchase it. Unfortunately there was never a physical edition of the game either, so for a while it was just lost.
However, thanks to Limited Run Games, it has now been perfectly preserved in physical form for multiple consoles. That is exactly why wonderful companies like Limited Run Games exist. They want to make sure that video games get the chance to have physical copies and get preserved in history.
As a collector and someone with OCD, knowing that I fully own my games is a huge plus to choosing physical. I can be assured that if Nintendo’s eShop closed, I’d still be able to pop my cartridges into my Switch and play them. Now of course, every game doesn’t get a physical edition. Usually those are the indie games that maybe can’t afford the production cost. That’s where Limited Run Games and other companies step in and help out those developers.
Warriors For Physical Games
Alongside Limited Run Games, some other wonderful companies exist to help bridge the gap between digital games and physical ones. A few of my favorites include: Super Rare Games, Special Reserve Games, Strictly Limited Games and iam8bit. Fangamer is also worth mentioning and they make a ton of great merchandise for many franchises. There are plenty of other options out there as well.
I have been obsessed with these companies for a while now and try to snag what I can from them. Luckily Fangamer, iam8bit and Limited Run Games all have partnerships with Best Buy so sometimes you can find their product there as well. Also, check your local game stores, not GameStop, because I have a great one in my area that gets Limited Run Games shipments all the time. They also get a few foreign imports of physical editions that don’t get released in North America.
Of course, AAA titles have no problem receiving physical editions so those are easier to find. However with timed releases like Super Mario 3D All Stars, the fear for missing physical copies is very real for me. Despite that though, I do what I can to keep up with everything and I encourage anyone else interesting in gaming to do the same thing.
The Extra Goodies
I am a huge sucker for steelbooks and any other added incentive to buy collector’s editions. I love all the extra merch that comes with them and enjoy collecting that stuff as much as I do collecting the games themselves. Give me a good soundtrack, a detailed map, a beautiful statue or a nice artbook and I’m stoked. I have quite a few collector’s editions now and I keep each and every box. I absolutely adore it.
Special edition controllers and that sort of thing always attracts me, too. I have way more controllers than I’ll ever need and that is not a complaint. Instead, it is just another way to show off my love for a franchise and offer my support. I’ll continue to collect my special editions and everything I can afford within reason, and sometimes outside of reason. This kind of collection is priceless to me.
The Future Of Physical
Hopefully there is a future for physical games but lately, I am certainly fearful of that. With the release of the newest generation of consoles, a digital-only option was offered. While that is certainly appealing to some, it terrifies me. First of all, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy all of my PS4 games on my PS5 if I had purchased the digital edition. Not to mention all of the free upgrades to PS5 versions they offered that require the PS4 disc to redeem.
Not only that though, but the preorders for Horizon Forbidden West are finally live, and the $200 collector’s edition included a DIGITAL version of the game. However, it comes with a steelbook. What exactly will collector’s be able to put inside of that steelbook? It is decisions like this that I don’t understand at all. As a physical collector, I honestly expected that collector’s edition to include the physical game so I am glad I checked out the details.
I can only hope that enough people’s voices are heard and that physical editions will still be readily available. Luckily the demand is still there, but companies are always looking for ways to save money so you never know. Regardless of the future, you can bet I’ll be collecting until I no longer can.
