Resident Evil Requiem sales highlight continued demand for physical games

Sales data for Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem has sparked debate regarding the future of physical media in the gaming industry. While Sony has announced plans to cease manufacturing discs for its consoles by 2028, market data from Ampere Analysis suggests that physical formats remain highly relevant in several major regions.

According to analyst Christopher Dring, consumer preferences vary significantly by geography. In the United States, digital sales dominate with physical copies accounting for only 22% of sales. However, in other markets, the physical format remains a primary choice. In France, physical sales reached 55%, while in Japan, they accounted for 51%. Other notable figures include 43% in Australia and 40% in the United Kingdom.

With Resident Evil Requiem selling between 6 and 8 million units globally, these percentages represent millions of physical copies. Industry experts note that even if a major publisher like Capcom sees the majority of its revenue from digital downloads, the remaining physical market represents a significant revenue stream that contradicts the industry-wide push toward purely digital models.