Very soon Sony will stop allowing physical retailers, such as GameStop, from selling codes to download digital versions of its games. Last week, the rumor circulated when @Wario64 acquired an internal memo stating that digital games will only be available straight from PSN and that physical retailers would only be able to sell add-on content, virtual currency, and codes for the PlayStation Network service.
GameStop stores just got a memo saying that Sony will no longer provide full game digital download codes to retailers (not just GameStop) starting April 1st. Digital games will only be available straight from PSN after that date. Add-on content/PSN $ cards will still be available
— Wario64 (@Wario64) March 22, 2019
This week, The Verge was able to confirm that this is indeed true. “As of April 1, 2019, Sony Interactive Entertainment will no longer offer full games through SIE’s Global Digital at Retail program,” said a PlayStation spokesperson. “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.”
Technically, you can still buy games through stores like GameStop, you’ll just need to buy codes for virtual currency and then spend them at Sony’s online store.
[Source: TheVerge]
[Full disclosure: GameStop is the parent company of Game Informer.]
