Can Digital Games Be Sold Out? Unpacking the Myth of Digital Scarcity
The short answer is: no, not in the traditional sense. Unlike physical copies of games, digital games cannot technically “sell out” due to their very nature. The fundamental difference lies in the medium itself. Physical games are tangible items with a limited production run, leading to the potential for scarcity. Digital games, on the other hand, are essentially files of code that can be endlessly duplicated and distributed. However, this doesn’t mean the availability of digital games is entirely without limitations. Let’s delve deeper into why this perceived scarcity persists and what it actually means for gamers.
Understanding the Digital Difference
The core of the “can a digital game sell out?” question stems from the difference between the physical and digital distribution models. When you buy a physical copy of a game, you are buying a product that has been manufactured and packaged. There is a finite number of discs or cartridges available for purchase, and once these are gone, a game can indeed be sold out.
Digital games operate under a different paradigm. They are not a physical product that needs to be physically produced and shipped, they are accessed by downloading files. Because these files can be replicated infinitely, there’s no risk of running out of the core product. This leads to several key advantages:
- Infinite Supply: The most significant advantage of digital games is their infinite supply. As long as the game exists on the servers of the distribution platform, there’s no limit to how many people can download and play the game simultaneously.
- Immediate Availability: Digital games are available for purchase at any time. There’s no need to wait for a physical copy to be shipped, especially when the game is immediately available at midnight for pre-loaded games.
- No Physical Storage: Digital games don’t require physical storage space on shelves and take up virtual space on your device which can be freed up at anytime.
The Myth of Digital Shortages
While the core files of digital games are never sold out, there are several reasons why it may appear that they do sell out:
- Discontinued Games: Digital games can be removed from storefronts due to various reasons including expiring licenses, publisher decisions, or technical issues. When this happens, the game may no longer be available for purchase making it seem like they have sold out, even if many individuals own the games still.
- Server Issues: If servers hosting digital games experience issues or overload, it may become difficult or impossible to download or access the game temporarily. This, however, is a temporary technical problem rather than a game actually running out.
- Digital Codes: While the game itself isn’t limited in supply, the codes used to access the game can be limited. However, game publishers can easily generate new codes and this is rarely an issue.
- Geographical Restrictions: Some digital games may have geographical restrictions, meaning they aren’t available in all regions. A game may be removed from a digital store in one particular region, creating the feeling of scarcity in that area.
Therefore, it’s more accurate to say that digital games can be unavailable rather than sold out.
Digital Ownership: A License, Not A Sale
A crucial aspect to consider is that when you purchase a digital game, you aren’t actually buying the game itself. What you’re buying is a license to access and play the game. This distinction is essential in understanding why you can’t resell your digital games and why they could potentially become unavailable if a platform shuts down.
This contrasts directly with physical games where you gain legal ownership and can do as you please with them.
Reselling Digital Games: The Current Reality
One consequence of purchasing a license instead of a product is the inability to resell your digital games. Currently, most major digital game platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam do not allow the reselling of digital games. This is primarily due to the legal framework around digital licenses, which grants you the right to play the game, not to transfer ownership.
There is an outlier though: Robot Cache, a PC games distribution app, allows you to sell digital games purchased from that site for 30% of whatever you sell it for. However, this platform hasn’t yet gained the same popularity as other digital game sellers.
The Future of Digital Game Ownership
The digital landscape is constantly evolving. While reselling isn’t widely available at the moment, there is room for change in the future. As the digital market matures, there could be legal and technological advancements that allow gamers to own and resell their digital games.
The lack of reselling opportunities has caused many consumers to question the fairness of the current system, prompting the exploration of new methods, such as blockchain technology, that could potentially change digital ownership models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can a digital game be out of stock?
A digital game cannot be “out of stock” in the way a physical product can. Instead, it might be unavailable due to various reasons, such as being removed from the store, having server issues, or geographical restrictions.
2. Do I truly own the digital games I buy?
No, when you purchase a digital game, you are generally purchasing a license to play it, not the game itself. This means you don’t have legal ownership of the game in the same way you do with a physical copy.
3. Can I sell my digital Xbox games?
No, as of now, you cannot sell digital Xbox games you’ve already activated. This is a common practice across most major digital game platforms. However, platforms like Robot Cache are trying to introduce a way for digital games to be sold.
4. How long do I own a digital game?
You own the license to play a digital game as long as you have your account and the service that provides the game is still up and running. Should the service shut down, you may lose access to the games, though you may be able to transfer these games to a newer console, provided the console supports these games.
5. Is it possible to return a digital game on Xbox?
Generally, digital goods are not returnable unless an offer or applicable law states you’re eligible for a refund. However, Xbox does allow you to request a refund on your Xbox order history page.
6. How does buying a digital Xbox game work?
To purchase a digital Xbox game, you typically go to the Xbox website or the store on your console, find the game you want, and buy it. You will need a Microsoft account and a valid payment method. After purchase, the game downloads and becomes available to play.
7. Is it better to buy a digital or physical copy of a game?
It depends on your priorities. Digital games offer convenience, immediate access, and preloading. Physical games may be cheaper on average months after release, and you have ownership and can resell them.
8. What percentage of gamers buy digital?
According to the Entertainment Retail Association (ERA), approximately 89.5% of video game purchases are digital downloads, while the remaining 10.5% are physical copies.
9. Why do people buy digital games?
People buy digital games for their convenience and accessibility. They’re readily available for download with a few clicks of a button, meaning you don’t need to leave the house.
10. Why did PlayStation stop selling digital game codes at retail stores?
PlayStation’s decision seems to be part of a growing tendency for game publishers to remove retail stores from the equation, aligning with the rise of digital downloads and game streaming services.
11. Can I return digital games bought from Amazon?
No, unless specifically stated, digital purchases made on the Amazon platform cannot be returned. This includes games, software, and other downloads.
12. Do digital copies of games expire?
No, if you’ve bought the game through an online store, the license is generally valid as long as you have access to your account.
13. Is it cheaper to buy games digitally?
Generally, physical and digital games launch at the same price. However, physical games tend to decrease in price more rapidly than their digital counterparts, meaning buying physically can sometimes be cheaper.
14. What happens if my Xbox account gets banned?
If your account is banned, you will lose access to the digital content purchased over the lifetime of the account. Your Gamertag will remain unaffected and playable on other consoles.
15. How can I sell digital downloads online?
You can sell your digital products on online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, Envato, AppSumo, and Creative Market. You can also create your own digital storefront with platforms like Shopify.