As gaming has moved with the technology, the industry has certainly changed slowly over time in many aspects, from how players interact with games, to how they even get them. Out of all the changes that have impacted the gaming industry, one of the biggest changes is how players physically get their favorite titles. Initially, players would go to their local gaming store and pick up a copy. This allowed for resale value and made it easier to lend them to friends.
Now, players get their games in a much more streamlined fashion. Game developers have noticed the shift, which is why more games are just coming out with digital copies. It's a faster way of getting games into players' hands. These games on this list are good examples of this change. While some may have limited runs of physical copies, for the most part, digital copies are the only way to get them. With that in mind, here are some great Xbox One games that are digital-only.
5 Superhot
An indie, puzzle shooter, Superhot is a rather unique game. As players stop moving, so does time, so players need to stop and think about their next move. As they move time resumes. This element is rather creative because it allows players to do some cool moves and feel like they're unstoppable.
Being sold digitally works well for Superhot because not only is it cheaper than if it were a physical copy, but it's easier for players to quickly get it and get fully immersed. While Superhot becomes more challenging as it progresses, it gets even more fun the deeper players get into it.
4 Psychonauts 2
While there are physical copies of this iconic platformer out there in the wild, however, it comes with a huge catch. Only fans who backed the fundraiser a few years back were able to snag a physical copy that only had a limited run, so now fans have to play this incredible platformer digitally. What makes Psychonauts 2 worthy to be on this list is how fun yet challenging it is for players from all skill levels.
Psychonauts 2 is one of those rare games that stays true to what made it great in the first place. Although it's a rather simple game, it has fully fleshed out mechanics. The fact that almost all of it was crowdfunded is another great reason for players new and old to get back into Psychonauts 2. Even if players aren't fans of platformers, Psychonauts 2 does a good job at bridging that gap. On top of that, being on Xbox's Gamepass gives Psychonauts 2 an even higher chance of being discovered by new players.
3 Secret Neighbor
Secret Neighbor is probably one of the better horror games to be released digitally. It possesses a multiplayer component that allows for a cool and creative experience for all players involved. Secondly, it's super easy for players to jump into. Secret Neighbor gives everyone a chance, and since it's easy to learn, players won't spend too much time figuring out what to do in the game. A digital-only release works for games like Secret Neighbor because, on the surface, it wouldn't seem like it would appeal to a large player base. Since it is a digital-only game, many players may see this as an access point for them to explore other games like it.
The game features a uniqueness that can be found when players are experimenting with each character to find their favorite. On top of that, while Secret Neighbor can offer some challenges, it's rather simple for players to experience and may keep players entertained for several hours, at least.
2 Knockout City
This fun little multiplayer title has the power to bring players from all sorts of genres together. Knockout City has a lot of going for it. It's essentially a dodgeball-based game that is rather easy to master for players. However, Knockout City is a bit obscure. Nevertheless, since Knockout City is going free-to-play, players can revisit this hidden gem of a multiplayer game.
Plus, with Knockout City being a digital-only game, players can easily pick it up and start playing. With it being free-to-play, fans can easily be swayed to try it out for size. Knockout City is an important game in today's world because as more and more games start feeling the same, every now and again a game like Knockout City comes along and steals the show.
1 Visage
Fans of psychological horror games will appreciate this one-of-a-kind spooky experience that borrows elements from icons like P.T. Visage isn't for the faint of heart. However, Visage has what many triple-A horror games have while still being at the player's fingertips. The attention to detail and the way the game plays with fans' minds is a certain draw for horror enthusiasts.
And the best part is that players won't have to venture out in order to get Visage. Fans can simply look up the game on their favorite storefront and they're set. The great thing about Visage is that it's available on Xbox's Game Pass, which allows it to get even more attention.