June 25th 2024.
I've been thinking about the future of physical games. How long will companies like GAME continue to sell them? This topic was discussed in a recent Tuesday letters page, where one reader asked for advice on the new game Rocksmith+. If you want to join in on the discussion, you can email us at the email address provided.
I recently visited a GAME store a few months back and was surprised to see that the display for Peppa Pig toys was the same size as the one for Switch games. And most of the games they had were second-hand, which probably won't be available for much longer. It's sad to see the shift towards digital games, with even supermarkets no longer selling physical copies. GAME has also taken over smaller chain shops, but it seems like their focus has shifted elsewhere.
As for physical game stores, the only nationwide ones left are Currys for new games and CeX for second-hand. It's a shame for those of us who enjoy browsing the shelves and discovering new games. It seems like the end of an era for physical games, with most people opting to order them online instead. I recently visited a store and noticed that they were having a massive sale to get rid of their pre-owned stock since they are no longer accepting trade-ins. I managed to snag a copy of Lego Star Wars for only £4, which is a fantastic deal for a two-year-old game. It's clear that GAME is trying to make room for other products, such as toys. If this shift brings success to the store, then more power to them.
It's bittersweet to see the changes in GAME. It's no longer the same store I remember from my youth, but I'll still miss it. Every time GAME comes up in conversation, most people admit that they haven't been to a store in a while. Many are surprised by the focus on toys, even though it's been that way for the past decade. But regardless, I'll miss the old GAME, even if it's not the same as it used to be.
I couldn't help but laugh at the complaints about the new Elden Ring DLC being too hard. After all the complaints about the base game being too easy, it seems like FromSoftware is teaching us a lesson. But I won't give up. I'll finish the DLC, even if it takes me 100 hours.
I recently read a review of Dicefolk and was curious about how difficult it is compared to Slay The Spire. As someone who has spent hundreds of hours playing Slay The Spire and finally defeated the Corrupt Heart with all the characters, I was wondering if it would take less time to understand the systems in Dicefolk and beat the game. Of course, luck also plays a role in progressing and unlocking content, so it might not be an easy feat. But I don't want to commit to another game like this and get sucked into playing it until I beat it at least once.
So far this year, I've only completed four games, including Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, and XDefiant. But all of these games have been a lot of fun and have shown what is possible when developers are given the time to make the games they want and that fans want. I'm looking forward to Space Marine 2, which is set to be released in September. Everything I've seen about it so far looks amazing!
I've been thinking about trying out Rocksmith+ on my PlayStation 5. Has anyone else played it on the PS5 and would recommend it? I'm intrigued by the concept and would love to hear others' experiences with the game.
I can't help but wonder how long GAME will continue to sell physical games. It's a hot topic on the Tuesday letters page, where readers discuss when and why companies choose to release next generation consoles. One reader even seeks advice on Rocksmith+. If you want to join in on the discussion, just email us at the email provided.
As a gamer myself, I've noticed a shift in the physical game market. The last time I visited a GAME store a few months ago, I couldn't help but notice that the display for Peppa Pig toys was just as big as the one for Switch games. And to my surprise, the majority of the games were second-hand, which will soon be a thing of the past. It's a sad sight to see, especially for those of us who enjoy browsing through the shelves.
In recent years, supermarkets have stopped selling physical games and GAME has taken over smaller chain shops. However, it seems like they have now shifted their focus elsewhere. The only nationwide physical game stores left are Currys for new games and CeX for second-hand. It's a shame for those of us who enjoy the experience of physically buying and owning games.
Rumors have been circulating that GAME will soon stop selling physical games in their stores, although they will still offer delivery for customers to pick up in-store. But at that point, why not just order the game online? It's something to think about. During my recent visit to a store, I noticed a massive sale to get rid of their pre-owned stock, as they are no longer accepting trade-ins. I was able to snag Lego Star Wars for only £4, which is a steal for a two-year-old game.
It's clear that GAME's stores have become a mere corner in Sport Direct, and physical games have become a niche market for hardcore gamers. It seems like they are trying to make space for...toys? If the store finds success in selling toys, then more power to them. But it's definitely the end of an era for GAME, and I will miss it, even if it's not what it used to be in my youth.
On a different note, I couldn't help but notice the complaints about Elden Ring's DLC being too difficult. As someone who has been playing it since Saturday, I can definitely relate. But is this a backlash from those who complained that the game was too easy? Is FromSoftware teaching us a lesson? Either way, I'm not giving up. I will finish the DLC, even if it takes me another 100 hours.
Your review of Dicefolk caught my attention, as I am a huge fan of Slay The Spire. After finally defeating the Corrupt Heart with all the characters, I was curious about how difficult you found Dicefolk in comparison. Would you say it takes less time to grasp the systems and defeat the final boss? I understand that it's a loaded question, considering some players are experts at exploiting combinations and systems. But with the element of luck, progressing through unlocking content may make it slightly easier. As much as I love these types of games, I don't want to get sucked into playing nothing else until I've beaten it at least once.
Speaking of games I can't wait to play, I thoroughly enjoyed Baldur's Gate 3 earlier this year and am currently immersed in Elden Ring. I'm also eagerly anticipating Space Marine 2 in September. That's just four games for the entire year, with a little bit of XDefiant mixed in. But they are all amazing games, and it's clear that when developers are given the time and freedom to create the games they and the fans want, the results are outstanding. Who else is excited for Space Marine 2? Everything about it looks incredible.
Lastly, I'm curious about Rocksmith+. It was recently released on PlayStation 4, and I'm wondering if any of our Inboxers have tried it on PlayStation 5 and would recommend it. Let us know your thoughts!
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