For the longest time, the world has been treated to the availability of physical games to enjoy, centering on a plug-and-play experience that allows immediate access to it, but that may soon change over at Walmart. In a new report that spotted the company's memo, Walmart will start removing selected physical video games in its stores, centering on Microsoft Xbox's platform.
Despite the massive push towards digital games, the physical copies have remained and are still seeing massive traction in the gaming market.
Walmart to Remove Xbox Physical Video Games from Stores
A report by Andrew Marmo shares a memo from Walmart that talked about removing physical copies of a specific game from its platform, and will no longer offer it in-stores. While it was not mentioned, it may likely also affect the physical copy availability when gamers purchase it from their online retail platform.
The game in question is Xbox and Bethesda's latest AAA-rated open-world space adventure, Starfield, with the game seeing its removal starting next week.
To be more precise, the removal of these games from its shelves would start by Monday, January 22, also featuring a markdown before it gets thrown out.
Will this Affect Other Games' Physical Copies?
It was regarded by the insiders that Walmart would markdown Starfield to only 3 cents ($0.03), but the memo said the system would block the purchase, there may be lucky ones that may be able to cop it. Walmart said that it would destroy the said game, but did not clarify it these would get thrown out or actually be destroyed.
However, it also remains unknown if this is isolated in Starfield's case or also apply to other physical titles offered by Walmart.
Physical vs. Digital Games For You
Having physical or digital games would not have much difference, as both offer the same content and experience that users enjoy on a specific title from the various platforms available now. While there are only subtle differences apart from the special add-ons from developers depending on the game copy, both are still widely accepted and patronized depending on preferences.
Physical games are considered to have more value as they could be resold to other gamers easily, and keeping different items with them like the cover, game guide, disc box, and more will help up their value.
Yet, there are many advantages to owning digital games, and this includes improved portability and game switching that would no longer require removing the disc or cartridge whenever launching a new one.
However, it still boils down to preferences now, and with the massive availability of both copies from developers, players have the liberty of opting for what best suits their setup. Walmart's upcoming removal of games from its retail stores will be a massive blow to gamers relying on their shops for different titles, especially for the Xbox platform, with a massive sale coming.