Physical Games Are “Irrelevant” To GameStop’s Business, Says CEO

GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen has dismissed concerns about Sony’s decision to cease manufacturing PlayStation physical game discs in January 2028, characterizing the shift as irrelevant to the company’s business. When asked by Bloomberg host Ed Ludlow about the impact, Cohen responded that it “doesn’t matter at all,” later describing the change as “totally, totally irrelevant.”

This counterintuitive stance reflects GameStop’s dramatic business transformation. Physical game sales now represent only 18% of the company’s revenue, a stark contrast to its historical identity as a brick-and-mortar games retailer. The company has pivoted toward collectibles and trading cards as its primary revenue drivers, positioning itself differently in an increasingly digital gaming landscape.

Cohen expressed similar indifference toward Grand Theft Auto 6’s digital-only release strategy, suggesting confidence in GameStop’s ability to thrive despite industry-wide shifts toward digital distribution. The CEO’s dismissal of physical games’ importance emerges amid GameStop’s pursuit of a $56 billion hostile takeover bid of eBay, a move that dominated portions of the Bloomberg interview where Cohen appeared visibly frustrated when questioned about financing such a major acquisition.

GameStop’s strategic rebranding away from physical retail represents a significant evolution for the company. By repositioning itself around higher-margin collectibles and trading cards rather than game sales, GameStop is adapting to market realities while attempting to maintain relevance as the gaming industry continues its transition to digital distribution.

Physical Games Are “Irrelevant” To GameStop’s Business, Says CEO

Sources