How will you be buying your games in ten years? Chances are you'll be downloading them straight to your Xbox 720 and PS4. But not according to Tim Ellis, games head at HMV who, understandably, thinks retail will remain crucial for games. " I don't think it's in the interest of publishers or platform holders to do away with retail, because they won't get the standout any more. "
Music is different - I tend to buy CDs rather than download but that's mainly because I'm 33 and have a need to gawp at a CD collection - but games are generally more disposable. You play them, love them and move them on. Check out the pre-owned racks that dominate every games store for proof that - retro titles and occasional Ico-style artily packaged classic aside - gamers have little affection for the physical product. Actually, if game shops offered us a better shopping experience than the teenage boy jumble sale currently on display then they might have a chance, but that's for another blog. It will be interesting to see which major title is the first to truly bypass traditional retail, but it will happen. How will you be buying Halo 6 in 2015?
