The Decline of Physical Media and Why It Matters

Over the past two decades, we’ve witnessed a dramatic shift in how we buy entertainment, from tangible DVDs, Blu‑rays, CDs, and game discs, to instant digital downloads and streaming. While this transition has unlocked incredible convenience and flexibility, it's also closing a door on the tactile, collectible world enjoyed by many. Below, we break down the trends and what they mean for gamers and collectors alike.

Physical Media: In Freefall

In the U.S., spending on physical video game software was cut in half between 2021 and 2024, and remains more than 85 % below its 2008 peak, a steep decline in just a few years.

By 2018, physical video games accounted for roughly 17 % of all game sales in the U.S.; by 2023, physical made up just 10.5 %, with around 89.5 % going digital.

In the UK, box‑game sales dropped 35 % in 2024, and now represent just 10.4 % of new game purchases, part of a market that declined by 4.4 % overall in 2024.

Physical movie media fell 23%, with DVD sales down 86 % from their mid‑2000s level, while video streaming soared by over 1,200% by the early 2020s.

Similarly, music formats such as CDs and vinyl account for only about 11 % of U.S. revenue in 2023, with streaming dominating at 84 %.

These numbers reflect technology-driven change: faster home broadband, widespread downloads, online marketplaces, and subscription services have made digital content not just viable, but preferable, for most consumers.

Why Digital Is So Appealing

✅ Instant Access – No waiting in queues, no shipping, no installation discs—just click and play.
✅ Anywhere, Any Device – Digital libraries sync across consoles, PCs, and handhelds.
✅ Lower Costs & Dynamic Pricing – Regular Flash sales, loyalty programs, and no inventory costs allow retailers to be more flexible.
✅ Space‑saving – No clutter from game cases or discs.
✅ Always up to date – Patches and updates are automatically delivered.

These benefits have helped digital dominate mainstream spending and attract the vast majority of new users.

But What Collectors Lose

For collectors and fans of tangible formats, digital may seem like a logical progression, but it comes with real downsides:

❌ Disc cases, box art, manuals, collector’s editions: these create a sensory connection, tell stories, and retain value. Digital lacks that permanence.

A Reddit post from the game‑collecting community notes that as physical presence declines, retail stores shrink and competition drops, digital publishers are able to raise prices and reduce discounting, making digital purchases less appealing in some cases:

“If physical sales ever decline significantly and retail competition loses its influence, game prices across platforms will increase.”

Risks to Long‑Term Access

Ownership tied to accounts and servers means that if stores close or accounts are lost, access can disappear. Game‑key cards (like on Nintendo Switch 2) are evolving to allow physical license resale, but still rely on server infrastructure to download the game. For collectors, the preservation and resale value of discs and cartridges, even second‑hand is irreplaceable.

Frame‑A‑Game Supports Physical Media

At Frame‑A‑Game, we believe there’s still a vital and passionate market for physical copies of games. We understand the appeal of owning a boxed copy, with artwork, manuals, and the tactile satisfaction of physical media. That’s why we support and recommend trusted retailers like The Game Collection, which stock new physical editions, collector's editions, and even used titles in excellent condition.

So if you prefer physical over digital, Frame‑A‑Game is here to support your passion. Whether you’re a collector, completing your shelf, or want something tangible to gift or display, you’ll find what you need at The Game Collection and others who carry boxed editions.

#PHYSICALMEDIAFOREVER