Despite predictions of their demise, physical game discs continue to hold a significant place in the libraries of core gamers, according to a new survey by research firm Newzoo and G2A. The study reveals that physical games account for over 11% of all games played by core gamers and a striking 30% of their owned, paid console game libraries.
Physical Media’s Enduring Presence
Alexis Pamboris, Research Director at Newzoo, commented on the findings, stating, “Despite predictions of the death of physical media, the physical format still holds a place in the industry’s map.” This assertion comes at a time when the industry is increasingly shifting towards digital distribution, with major players like Sony announcing the discontinuation of physical disc releases for future PlayStation consoles starting in 2028.
Survey Methodology and Demographics
The report’s findings are based on a robust sample of over 6,000 self-identified “core gamers” across six major markets: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. The data collection was evenly distributed across these regions. Notably, the fieldwork for this survey was conducted in August 2026, a period that followed Sony’s announcement regarding the cessation of physical game releases for its upcoming PlayStation consoles.
Newzoo defined “core gamers” for this study as individuals aged 18 to 55 who play games on PC or current-generation consoles for at least one month. Furthermore, these gamers must have engaged with AA or AAA titles within the past year, either through outright purchase or via paid subscription services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass.
Gaming Habits and Acquisition Channels
On average, these core gamers reported playing approximately 13.3 games annually. The survey delved into how these games are acquired, revealing distinct channels:
- 43% of games were purchased outright (buy-to-own).
- 19% were accessed through subscription services.
- 38% were free-to-play titles.
Physical vs. Digital Breakdown
When examining the overall gaming habits of the 6,000 surveyed players, physical game formats constituted 11% of all games played. However, this percentage saw a significant increase when the analysis focused specifically on games that were outright purchased by players.
For games bought on a buy-to-own basis, the share of physical copies rose to over 25.5%. This indicates that when players are making a direct, full-price purchase, they are more inclined to opt for a physical version.
Console Gamers Show Stronger Physical Preference
The distinction between physical and digital ownership is even more pronounced within the console gaming segment. Among console players surveyed:
- Physical games represented 14% of their total owned library.
- Digital games accounted for 32% of their total owned library.
Crucially, when the data is narrowed down to paid console games acquired through outright ownership (excluding games from subscription services or free-to-play titles), the proportion of physical copies jumps to an impressive 30.4%. This suggests that despite the convenience and increasing prevalence of digital storefronts, a substantial portion of dedicated console gamers still value and acquire physical editions of the games they own and play.
The findings underscore the resilience of physical media, particularly among the most engaged segment of the gaming market. While the digital transition is undeniable, the enduring appeal of physical game ownership continues to be a vital component of the gaming landscape.
