Alan Wake 2 was Remedy Entertainment’s most successful game; however, it was also criticized initially for its decision to release the game only digitally and justifying itself by claiming this process to be easier for updates and fixes required in the future. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, shares the same fate as Alan Wake 2, as it did not release any physical copies of the game as well.
There has recently been a wave of digitization of most stuff, and the gaming industry is experiencing the change firsthand. Following the lead of Alan Wake 2 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, one of the UK’s biggest retailers, ‘Game’ has also decided to stop storing physical copies of games in store, with purchases of pre-owned and new releases being limited by pre-order policy only.
The Fate of the UK’s Huge Store, ‘Game’ Looks Meek
Following the end of Game’s decade-long trade-in policy, it is believed that they will also stop keeping any game-related content in-store, and gaming hardware and software will only be available on a pre-order basis, enabling you to get it delivered straight to your house for an additional fee o your nearest Game store.
Ever since Game’s acquisition by Sports Direct parent company Frasers Group, it has been in a difficult spot and facing a transitional period where it is transforming its identity based largely on the sales of board games, trading cards, toys, and plushies.
The failing market for physical copies of new releases has also not left the retailer with much hope. Furthermore, due to the rise in digital sales and direct competition from other trade-in stores like CeX dominating the market of pre-owned titles, Game has lost its footing and seems to be nearing its end.
Game has lost its identity now, with toy stock taking up most of their in-store content. It was also announced earlier this month that they will be ending the Game Reward and Game Elite Reward schemes soon. Players will no longer be entitled to their reward points starting July 15, and they won’t be able to redeem their existing balance after July 31. After this date, any balance left will forever be removed, and people will lose their money.
Alan Wake 2 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth paved the way for digitization
Alan Wake 2 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth were digital-only releases. Although Alan Wake 2 eventually surrendered itself to fans’ demands and promised a physical copy release, it was still not able to make the installation process offline.
Even with the physical copy of the game, Alan Wake 2 will need to download additional content from the internet, which has garnered some criticism from fans, pointing out the hypocrisy of the situation.
Similarly, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth does not have a physical version for PC and nothing has been announced concerning the release either. People are slowly shifting towards digitization as it appears to be more convenient and safe from deterioration as well as getting misplaced or broken.
Similarly, many other companies are set to march on the same path toward a world where pre-owned physical copies will exist in novelty and nothing new will come to the market.
Let us know in the comments what you think about the future of digitization!
