8 Ways The Video Game Industry Will Completely Change In The Next 10 Years

6. Dedicated Physical Game Stores Are Resigned To Selling Retro Items & Merchandise

Thankfully, for as much as digital easy-access is immediate, that's all it is. At the end of the day we're still human - we need physical interaction and indulgent use of our senses. Over 50% of all communication is non-verbal, and like how a couch gaming session is always more memorable than an online one, physical game-related items aren't going away altogether.

Put simply, the Kindle did not replace the book.

Instead, like the music industry, we'll see a shift in focus towards more elaborate merchandise deals, or lucrative "bundles" for new releases. Many bands have finally accepted the shockingly low amounts of royalties paid their way or the impossibility of living off song sales alone, hence why you see "signings", "t-shirt bundles", "VIP packages" etc. for every tour.

Obviously in gaming the "celebrity" aspect is resigned to a fraction of the industry (your Hideo Kojimas or Shigeru Miyamotos of the world), so we'll see brick n' mortar stores fall back on merchandise and collectibles to stay afloat.

Next time you go into any mom n' pop game store, tell me the percentage of games vs. physical memorabilia isn't weighted towards the latter.