In the past, players have had options when they want to pick up a digital copy of a PlayStation 4 game. Buying it directly from Sony via the PlayStation Store was one option, or they could purchase a digital download code from another retailer either online or in-person. However, digital download codes for the PS4 will soon cease to exist, as Sony has revealed that it will no longer offer digital copies of games through third-party retailers, and will only sell them through Sony's own online storefront.

Sony has released a memo to struggling retailer GameStop detailing the change. Effective on April 1st 2019, customers will no longer be able to purchase digital download codes to redeem on the PS4 at any retailer, online or offline. Sony is shifting to focusing on having players purchase physical copies of games from stores, and digital copies solely from Sony itself.

Players who rely upon the ability to pay in-person, rather than online, aren't completely having the door shut on them. Gamers will still be able to pick up PlayStation Store Cash Cards to to add funds to a PSN account, which can then be redeemed for digital games. However, since these cards often don't cover the exact amount that a game costs, Sony will begin to offer incremental currency add-ons to cover any additional sales tax on PlayStation 4 games to stores in May. Oddly, gamers will still be able to purchase add-on digital content at stores.

Many gamers will likely be displeased about this change. Even for those who aren't limited to in-person and cash transactions, Sony's decision to eliminate PlayStation 4 digital download codes means it will no longer be an option to purchase games at retailers who offer them for a lower price than the PlayStation Store. Since gifting games on the PlayStation Store is still not possible, it will also make it a bigger hassle to buy games digitally for friends. While Sony may change this once it becomes the sole retailer for digital PlayStation 4 games, for now, it's discouraging for anyone who buys digital games as gifts.

Although there's no official explanation for the change, the likely answer is that this decision will cut out the middleman for Sony, which will boost its profits. In any case, as physical game purchases decline, this will mean fewer options for Sony console users going forward.

Source: Twitter