With digital distribution becoming more and more popular with developers, both independent and major, it could only be a matter of time until we witness the end of physical retail dominance. Of course, PC gaming has now been joined by consoles that offer game add-ons and, in many cases, full titles at the click of a button. This saves time for the consumer and money for the developer, making the business model seem ideal.

In an interview with gamesindustry.biz, Gamersgate CEO Theodore Bergquist has stated that he believes the transition could happen within the next couple of years, although there are some obstacles to overcome.

“When I talk to all the publishers – both small, and really, really, big – digital distribution is on everyone’s lips,” he said. “Obviously some publishers are really ready to take these steps, while others aren’t. Some still see digital distribution as something awkward, and they don’t really know what to do with it, while some are really professional and they have it as a main strategy.”

GamersGate may be showing a certain amount of bias here, but with over 1000 titles in its digital catalogue – specialising in independent developer products, while also working with big companies like EA with titles including Spore and Lord of the Rings: Online, and Microsoft Game Studio with Braid – they are in certainly in a great position to make a judgement.

“Look at the music industry, look at 2006 when iTunes went from not being in the top six of sellers – in the same year in December it was top three, and the following year number one.”

Bergquist’s comparison is a good one. While there will always be purists out there who opt for buying their music in physical form, there is no doubt that downloading has become something of a thorn it the side of many retailers. Games are undoubtedly a fair distance behind but are slowly but surely trickling along the same path.