The agony of physical format in consoles it has received its most unexpected blow, and it comes from what was once the world cathedral of cartridges and discs. In an incendiary interview given to Bloomberg TV, the controversial CEO of GameStop, Ryan Cohenhas bluntly downplayed the industry’s transition towards readerless systems and Sony’s plans to abandon disc production in 2028. His statements have left no room for doubt: the physical format GameStop doesn’t care anymore.
«It doesn’t matter at all. “It is totally, totally irrelevant,” said Cohen when asked about the future of his network in the face of the disappearance of the physical games. These words have caused an earthquake of opinions among the players who still defend the GameStop physical format and the industry in general.
From video games to the monopoly of plastic and cards
Although for many users seeing this contempt for the physical format on the part of the GameStop leader is painful, the financial data supports his commercial coldness. According to Cohen himself, the sale of physical games currently represents less than 12% of the total business of the multinational, a figure that contrasts with the golden eras of the brand.
So what does the legendary store live on today? The answer is on the shelves full of merchandising. The collectibles, toys, TCG cards (such as Pokémon) and fireproof Funko Pop figures They already constitute the largest source of income for the chain. GameStop’s disinterest in physical format responds to an unavoidable reality: the company no longer functions as a video game store, but as a bazaar specialized in collecting.
The gaze on eBay and the digital market
Cohen’s roadmap to rescue the company from the abyss is not by selling more plastic boxes on the shelves, but by his constant offensive of acquisition of eBay. Despite having received initial rejections of his purchase offer valued at around $55 billion, the manager remains committed to merging both firms to create a digital commerce giant.
The long-term plan includes using digital infrastructure to create virtual exchange markets, drastically reducing the company’s dependence on online launches. physical format. The end of an era seems inevitable and even its greatest historical defenders are turning their backs on it to ensure economic survival.
What do you think of these forceful statements from the director of GameStop about the end of the physical format? Do you think collecting will be enough to keep the stores open? We read you in the comments.
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