Since the 80's, we've had dedicated video game stores that featured a far wider selection of games than your typical Wal*Mart, Target or Kmart. Babbages, Funcoland, Software Etc. each offered a unique experience for gamers looking for something new to play. Oh, you've never heard of those stores? I'm not surprised, as they all vanished years ago.
The rise of retro gaming has led to an explosion of new video game stores that sell both new and old games, however the king of game stores, Gamestop, has been struggling in recent years. Go into one today and you'll see as much merchandise adorning the shelves as you will video games.
The rise of digital
Digital distribution has completely changed how consumers buy video games. While it hasn't wiped out console and handheld gaming yet, its simply an inevitability. Only 8% of PC games today are sold on a physical format. Consoles gamers are also rapidly adopting the digital model and its unlikely that the next versions of the Playstation and XBox will support physical media at all.
With no games being released on physical media, retailers like Gamestop have to increasingly rely on selling merchandise, older games and digital download points cards to stay profitable. If Gamestop still exists 10 years from now, its going to be practically unrecognizable from the ones scattered around malls in 2017.
Collectors unite
The good news is that there will always be the need for game stores that cater to retro game collectors. We hate digital downloads, because its essentially buying air. You don't own anything other than the right to play a game you don't really own. While its extremely convenient, its not without its downsides.
Retro game collectors will always need stores to buy games and hardware, so stores that cater to this market will continue for decades to come.
A changing landscape
Much like music and movies, games are moving into an all-digital future of downloads and streaming services. Though as the resurgence of the popularity of vinyl has shown, there is room for physical media along with digital. Game stores that cater to game collectors and retro game enthusiasts will remain viable for years to come, long after Gamestop has sold its last copy of Call of Duty 26.