With developers and publishers now letting players choose to purchase their games digitally, physical retailers such as GameStop seemed like they might be in trouble as it meant that there would be less customers walking into their stores. However, it wasn’t the end of the world as retailers would sell digital game codes that allowed customers to purchase it from their store and download the game at home.This was ideal for customers who would prefer not to hand over payment information like credit card details to companies such as Sony. Unfortunately, that will no longer be an option. Speaking to The Verge, Sony has confirmed that starting 1st of April, retailers will no longer be able to sell digital game codes for the PS4.
A company spokesperson was quoted as saying, “We can confirm that as of April 1, 2019, Sony Interactive Entertainment will no longer offer full games through SIE’s Global Digital at Retail program. This decision was made in order to continue to align key businesses globally. To support full games and premium editions, SIE will introduce increased denominations at select retailers. DLC, add-ons, virtual currency, and season passes will still be available.”
However, if you’d still rather buy through a retailer, the next best thing would be to buy virtual currency through these retailers, which can then be used to purchase games from Sony’s PSN. Sony is also expected to offer increased PSN credit options through retailers to sort of make up for it.