PHOENIX — In the heart of downtown Phoenix, Rampage Games continues to draw gamers who value the tactile experience of a physical disc. Owner Ramiro and co‑owner Alex report that many customers plan trips and hotel stays around a visit to their shop, citing the desire to browse shelves stocked floor‑to‑ceiling with used titles.
Why gamers still want discs
“For a collector, they want to have it on the shelf. They want to touch it, see it and play it whenever they want,” Alex explained. One patron echoed the sentiment, saying the simplicity of paying cash for a disc is a welcome break from the frustrations of mobile apps and card‑payment glitches.
Industry moving toward all‑digital releases
Despite the local enthusiasm, the broader gaming market is accelerating its digital transition. CNET analyst Jordan Minor noted that physical media are limited by storage capacity and can become costly when manufacturers attempt to increase cartridge size. The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI will be digital‑only, and Sony has announced that by January 2028 it will cease production of new physical PlayStation games. Microsoft’s Xbox platform is also introducing a feature that converts owned discs into digital copies.
Licensing vs. ownership debate
Chris Mawson, founder of Power Up Gaming, warned that purchasing a game today often means buying a license rather than true ownership. “Even a disc is essentially a license key for your console to read,” he said, highlighting concerns that consumers may lose access if online services are discontinued.
Proposed federal legislation
In response to these concerns, Congressman Ritchie Torres of New York has introduced the Power to the Players Act. The bill would require game publishers to grant consumers full ownership rights rather than limited licenses and would mandate that online‑only games provide an offline mode before any server shutdown. While the proposal has not yet been formally introduced in Congress, it reflects growing consumer advocacy for clearer rights in the digital age.
Local impact and future outlook
For Rampage Games, the shift to digital presents both challenges and opportunities. The shop’s emphasis on community, nostalgia, and the physical collector’s market helps it remain a vibrant hub for Phoenix gamers. As the industry evolves, the owners plan to expand their inventory of retro titles and host events that celebrate gaming history, ensuring that the store remains a destination for those who cherish the tangible side of gaming.
Whether the federal legislation gains traction or console manufacturers fully embrace digital distribution, Phoenix’s retro gaming community shows that there is still a strong appetite for physical media—especially when it brings people together.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
