Even as publishers push for a digital future, European gamers remain loyal to physical game formats. In 2024, 80% of new Nintendo Switch game sales in Europe were physical, and PlayStation’s digital transition is progressing slowly.

Digital storefronts continue to expand, yet physical game formats remain a cornerstone of the industry. Gamers’ consumption habits have not significantly shifted, despite the majority of PlayStation and Xbox revenues now stemming from digital platforms. The data reveals a more nuanced reality, where certain genres, platforms, and audiences remain anchored to physical media.

In Europe’s largest market, several GAME stores have closed, seemingly replacing games with toys and merchandise. Unlike Spain, the UK, and other European countries, physical video game sales have declined by 22%. This downturn is attributed not only to the shift from physical to digital formats but also to a lack of major AAA releases in narrative and family-oriented games, according to The Game Business report.

Astro Bot’s performance illustrates that traditional genres still rely on physical distribution, with 55% of its UK sales being physical. Conversely, digital sales now account for 64% of PlayStation’s total sales (up from 55% in 2023), though Nintendo’s figures are even more skewed towards physical. In 2024, 80% of new Switch game sales in Europe were physical, a trend unlikely to change significantly in the near future.

The contrast between platforms is stark. Multiplayer shooters like Helldivers 2 see over 90% of sales digitally, while traditional and popular series like EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) are transitioning more gradually, with digital sales increasing from 55% to 62% in just one year. Looking ahead to the Switch 2, Nintendo plans a dual system where digital games are priced lower than physical ones. Nevertheless, the data indicates that neither the industry, players, nor retailers are ready to abandon physical formats.

Sources: The Game Business, Eurogamer, ResetEra