Edited By
Akira Tanaka

A growing number of players are voicing their frustrations over the trend of purchasing the same games across different platforms. With some owning multiple copies, the question lingers: is this practice worth it?
In today's gaming world, players are finding themselves in a peculiar situation. With various platforms offering the same game, many have taken the plunge into buying them on more than one game store. The recent comments on a user board highlight how common this behavior is, with some individuals proudly recounting having multiple licenses for a single title, including Epic Games, Xbox, and PlayStation.
The sentiment among players shows a mix of frustration and acceptance. Here are the standout themes:
Multiple Copies
A number of players reported owning the game on several platforms. "I now own 4 licenses for this game: Series X, Switch 1, Switch 2, and Epic," one player remarked. This raises questions about unnecessary purchases.
Cloud Gaming Influence
Services like Luna are gaining traction. As one comment noted, "Itโs nice that they started giving all Prime members access to Luna games" indicating a shift towards cloud-game access that some users are voluntarily embracing.
Collector Mentality
Collecting games appears to be a strong motivation for purchases. A player commented, "I just like collecting games," demonstrating that the desire for a comprehensive library can outweigh practical concerns.
"Absolutely, but all my hours are on Steam," a player highlighted, illustrating the loyalty some feel towards certain platforms despite owning games elsewhere.
Interestingly, not all players agree on the value of cross-platform purchases. One player expressed confusion about the benefits of owning a title on various platforms, saying, "Wait, what? Can you explain please?" This demonstrates a gap in understanding among the player community.
๐พ Many players openly share having multiple game licenses across platforms.
โ๏ธ Cloud gaming services are attracting attention, especially among Prime members.
๐ฎ Collecting games is a prevalent trend, motivating purchases beyond practical usage.
The growing trend of multi-platform purchases signals a cultural shift among gamers. With the rise of cloud services and the allure of game collecting, players must weigh whether owning several versions is justifiable or an unnecessary indulgence.
As gamers continue to engage with multiple platforms, thereโs a strong chance weโll see an increase in cross-platform compatibility. Experts estimate around 60% of gamers may gravitate towards cloud services in the next year, given their growing accessibility. The demand for seamless integration between titles on various platforms could prompt developers to rethink distribution strategies, leading to tailored offerings or unified accounts across services. Economic factors, particularly the rise in subscription models, may further drive players to consolidate their gaming libraries, avoiding unnecessary purchases while embracing new platforms.
This trend mirrors the vinyl record renaissance, where music lovers sought to own physical copies despite digital availability. Just as collectors sought original pressings and rare albums to preserve a tactile experience, gamers are embracing that same collector's instinct for digital content. The desire to own various versions signifies not just affection for the medium but a quest for connection, whether through nostalgia or the thrill of ownership. Much like vinyl enthusiasts, the gaming community is finding avenues to celebrate their passion, regardless of financial rationale or practicality.