GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen has asserted that Sony's forthcoming move away from physical game discs will have no significant impact on his company. Cohen stated in a Bloomberg TV interview on July 16 that physical game sales are "totally irrelevant" to GameStop's current business model.
This statement comes in response to Sony's decision to cease production of physical game discs for new PlayStation titles beginning in January 2028. Cohen emphasized that the majority of GameStop's revenue now stems from collectibles, merchandise, and trading cards, rather than video game software. He detailed that software sales represent less than 12% of the business, while collectibles account for over half.
Cohen also commented on GameStop's turnaround, noting that the company, once on the brink of bankruptcy, is now generating record profits. When asked about the potential financial impact of highly anticipated releases like Grand Theft Auto 6, Cohen redirected the conversation to his prior bid for eBay and his leadership strategy.
He previously discussed potential future sales strategies for GameStop, including "live commerce" and utilizing physical stores for "same-day authentication," potentially integrating with platforms like eBay for an in-game digital marketplace. This follows earlier remarks, such as his expressed lack of understanding regarding funding for an eBay acquisition in a May interview.
GameStop has been undergoing significant operational changes, including store closures. The company had approximately 2,325 U.S. locations at the start of 2025, but closed 590 by the end of that year and continued closures into 2026 as part of cost-reduction efforts. The retailer has explored various revenue streams, including exiting the cryptocurrency market and shutting down its NFT marketplace shortly after its launch in August 2023. The company also implemented a "Trade Anything Day," allowing customers to trade in various items for store credit.