G2A.COM Survey Finds Consumer Choice Trumps Format for Major Game Releases

A recent survey conducted by G2A.COM, the world's largest marketplace for digital entertainment, sheds light on consumer preferences for major video game releases. The survey of over 2,000 G2A.COM users found that when it comes to purchasing highly anticipated titles like Grand Theft Auto VI, consumers are almost evenly split between digital and physical formats. Specifically, 38% of respondents preferred a digital download, while 37% opted for a physical disc, and the remaining 25% either had no preference or did not plan to purchase the game.

These findings suggest that rather than a clear winner emerging between physical and digital, consumers increasingly expect flexibility and the freedom to choose the format that best suits their needs. This shift has significant implications for the gaming industry and digital commerce at large. As Katarzyna Jakubiec, Chief Business Officer at G2A.COM, noted, "GTA VI shows that the games market is entering a new phase of digital maturity. For players, speed and convenience are no longer the only priorities – they also want the freedom to choose and greater control over how they access and use the content they buy."

The survey also highlighted other key factors influencing purchasing decisions. Nearly half of respondents (47%) said they would be less likely to buy a full-priced AAA title at launch if only one purchasing format was available. Additionally, 69% indicated that the ability to resell, trade, or lend games can influence their decision, and 59% said that additional physical edition elements like steelbooks or art books could sway their purchase. These preferences underscore that ownership and collectability remain important to a significant portion of gamers.

Looking ahead, 34% of respondents expect physical games to become primarily a niche collector proposition within five years, while 23% believe physical discs will be nearly phased out for new releases. Concerns about game preservation in an increasingly digital market were also prevalent, with 77% expressing some level of concern and 58% describing themselves as very concerned.

The findings are particularly striking given that 70% of respondents primarily play on PC, an ecosystem where digital distribution has long been the norm. This reinforces that being a digital-first consumer does not necessarily mean wanting fewer choices. Instead, as consumers become more accustomed to digital commerce, their expectations around selection, flexibility, accessibility, and control continue to grow.

G2A.COM's marketplace data reflects the immense global interest in GTA VI. Traffic to GTA VI-related pages on the platform surged 65-fold during a major spike in June, and July alone accounted for 48% of all GTA VI-related traffic between January and July. The game also became G2A.COM's most wishlisted title in 45 countries.

For marketplaces like G2A.COM, the opportunity lies in expanding possibilities for consumers rather than prescribing a single model of consumption. As Jakubiec stated, "Digital formats deliver immediacy and accessibility, while physical editions can still offer additional value to some players through collectability, resale and a greater sense of control. Our research suggests that the future of the market is not about one model replacing another, but about giving players the flexibility to choose what works best for them."

This consumer-centric approach is at the heart of G2A.COM's marketplace model, which brings together a broad range of offers and price points. The survey results indicate that the future of digital entertainment is not about limiting choice but multiplying it, a principle that could shape strategies for businesses across the digital economy. For more information, visit the press kit.