Between January and August, the boxed PC and console game market in Russia showed a clear uptick. Sales climbed by roughly 10 percent, reaching about 1.1 million units. PlayStation 5 titles led the way, helped in part by the shutdown of numerous online shops that redirected players toward physical discs. This shift created a more robust demand for traditional boxed editions across the year.
Retail networks adjusted by expanding in-store selections. M.Video-Eldorado now carries more than 1,500 boxed game titles and intends to broaden its assortment further. Demand for hardware also grew, with game drives in particular seeing a tripling of interest since the year’s start as gamers upgrade systems and explore new releases.
Other large platforms followed similar patterns. Ozon reported steady demand, while Wildberries saw a 143 percent year-on-year rise in boxed game sales. Observers noted a growing appeal of collector’s editions among Russian gamers, with exclusive content and premium packaging attracting enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Several firms have begun or planned to import boxed editions through parallel channels, widening access to popular titles despite distribution constraints. This trend reflects a broader effort to maintain physical disc availability for consumers who prefer tangible products in an era of rising digital distribution and store closures. Market watchers and retailers continue to monitor consumer tastes, including the draw of special editions and limited-run releases that offer tangible value beyond standard copies.
(VG Times)