Game, one of the most important and veteran video game store chains in Spain, calls for the defense of the physical format. The company says it understands video games «as more than just a downloadable file,» and assures that «it has been the community’s constant support for the physical format that has allowed it to continue to be part of our way of enjoying video games.» Game defends the physical edition for the freedom it offers the consumer when it comes to lending, reselling, collecting or keeping their copy of the game.
In its text Game also remembers that the physical format allows you to choose where and how to buy the games. If this format disappears or loses its meaning, all sales will go through the PlayStation Store (or current digital store) where there will be no competition.
«They want us to believe that this is a natural evolution, but we believe that the future should not be built by eliminating options, but by expanding them,» says Game. «Digital and physical can coexist; in fact, they had been doing it for years […] We do not want a unilaterally imposed model, but one that guarantees our rights as players and our freedom to choose. That is why we are going to continue betting on the physical format […]».
Xtralife’s message begins by putting the spotlight on the bookshelf, an element of the house that «stops being a piece of wood with plastics and becomes a collection of experiences, moments and emotions that intertwine» when there are games in it. Xtralife says Sony’s announcement «is not just an individual loss, but a direct hit to our community.» The store also refers to several elements discussed in Game’s message, including the range of possibilities offered by the physical format. The store is committed to continuing to work to bring physical editions to players.
«The physical format is not a whim of the past, it is the memory of yours and our lives,» adds Xtralife.
Meridiem’s text is that of a Spanish distributor that has a catalog made up of hundreds of games in physical format. The company says that «today is not an easy day» for those who defend the world of video games as a tangible experience and a work that deserves to be touched, collected and preserved. Meridiem assures that Sony’s decision will not put an end to his path. «As long as there is a single player who values having their collection on the shelf, as long as there is someone who prefers to feel a physical edition in their hands, as long as our community continues to support and believe in our work, Meridiem will endure,» says the publisher.
Players, stores and publishers defend the physical format. The industry is still assimilating Sony’s announcement and only time will tell if the community’s reaction helps the company rectify it.