Definitely a good breakdown of the major points that most are overlooking with this situation. It would be a much easier pill to swallow if these platforms were taking an approach similar to GOG or allowed for multiple storefronts on their platforms (extremely unlikely to happen).
For game consoles (focusing primarily on PlayStation and Xbox here), the following (IMHO) protections should be in place for an all digital platform that respects the customer:
• A digital purchase is tied to your account. If a game can no longer be sold on the platform, you can still download it later on if needed because you already purchased it.
• In the event that the servers are to be shut down: the downloads for active game listings and previous delisted titles that an account has access to; there will be a grace period of “X” days to allow users to buy whatever game/DLC they wish and will have the option to back up the installer for said software. This can then be moved to a compatible storage device for archiving purposes. (The cherry on top would be the ability to migrate the data to a computer so it can be archived however desired).
• A digital purchase can be lent to friends and family for “X” amount of days. During this time, the game will not be accessible to play on the host account, but can be recalled if desired. Otherwise, once the time period has passed, it will return automatically. The “lent” game will then disappear from the other players library, but if interested would have the option to visit the store page for purchase.
• Finally a digital “resale shop” where players could list their digital games/DLC. This would allow players to sell off their unwanted games and could potentially give other players the opportunity to purchase a game that may be delisted. Currency paid would likely be equivalent to store credit, but could be used for future purchases.
Sure, a lot of it is very unlikely to happen and is definitely wishful thinking, but that’s the only way I would move forward with a digital only console market. Otherwise, I would go 100% PC. Time will tell how this goes.
”I personally don’t think people care about owning physical media.”
I know I’m in what feels like a growing minority, but I will always pick up a physical copy if given a chance. I have a solid games library and I intend on playing every title I own. That said, I know eventually things will be digital only. Until that happens, I’ll stick with my Switch/2 for physical releases and multi platform releases I’ll grab on PC if it makes more sense to do so.
One last thought on this that I’ve had as someone who prefers to collect games physically. For Nintendo, I have genuinely despised their game key card approach. From a preservationists perspective, it’s a waste of money. However, getting a code in a box is a massive joke. Sony actually succeeded in making the concept of a GCK looking like a solid alternative. I really don’t know how to feel about that lol.
TL;DR - good article that brings up a lot of points others are overlooking. I personally will still get physical releases until they aren’t available anymore, then go fully digital on PC.