GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen has asserted that the ongoing shift away from physical video game discs holds no consequence for the retailer's future. In an interview with Bloomberg, Cohen addressed Sony's decision to cease production of new physical PlayStation games by 2028, stating it is "totally, totally irrelevant."
This stance aligns with GameStop's strategic pivot in recent years. While game sales previously formed the core of the company's business, they now account for only 18 percent of revenue. In contrast, collectibles such as trading cards and toys, including Funko Pops, now represent 41 percent of GameStop's business. This diversification is a key element of Cohen's strategy for the company.
Cohen's focus on reshaping GameStop's business model was underscored by his unsolicited $55 billion bid to acquire eBay earlier this year, a proposal that eBay ultimately rejected. Cohen has continued to express interest in the online marketplace, even suggesting that a combined GameStop and eBay could potentially generate a "$1 trillion business."
When questioned about the significant anticipation surrounding the digital-only release of Take-Two's Grand Theft Auto 6, Cohen deflected the inquiry, reiterating his interest in eBay. The retail giant's inability to capitalize on the potential secondary market for titles like GTA 6, which may not receive a physical release, further highlights the company's detachment from traditional game sales. Cohen's vision appears to be centered on expanding GameStop's reach into broader e-commerce territories rather than relying on physical game disc revenue.