When we think about the purchase of video games, what is the first thing that comes to mind ?, common sense would be where to acquire our video game of interest. This is where we are going to mention several unknowns that we always have as players. Usually we have doubts such as: do I buy the game in physical or virtual format? Of course this will depend on several factors such as the type of console that you have or if you are a PC player, the exclusivity, the offer and the demand of said videogame.

During the last years the demand of virtual videogames has increased considerably, so much so that the sales in the physical stores have diminished, generating monetary losses with the fear of getting to disappear forever. But let's analyze what is understood by physical and virtual videogame stores, what advantages and disadvantages exist between both. Also what difference there is between them. In this way we clearly see where the future of video game stores is headed.

What do we understand by physical videogame stores?

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If you are from the old school like me, you will understand that before the world of video games was very different, the main reason is that technology was very limited in those times; to be exact the 80s and 90s. The fact of being able to go to a video game store and look at the shelf full of video games was a unique sensation that many of this generation will not understand; look with enthusiasm each one of them and not know which one to choose; and once made your choice to feel it in your hands was the best that an enthusiastic player could feel.

However, moving from the Cartucho format to the CD-ROM was a fact that changed everything and would be the beginning of what we know today. It allowed a greater storage of data, therefore the games were better and more durable.

What advantages and disadvantages can we find when visiting a physical video game store?

Advantage:

• In a videogame store we can not only find videogames, there are also technological products, toys, cards or collectible figures.

• Those who are just entering the world of video games, can get advice, to know which games can start and what are its aftermath.

• We can meet and interact with other people, we can also share anecdotes.

• The sedentary lifestyle does not have as much impact on the players, as we have a reason to leave our homes.

• There is a unique experience that no virtual store can offer, breathing the air of a video game store is another level.

Disadvantages:

• The seller can trick you into making you buy a video game, making you think it's funny when it's not.

• You can be a victim of piracy.

• The price of video games is higher.

• Additional money is spent when moving to the store.

• You will not always be able to find the game you are looking for.

What do we understand by virtual video game stores?

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When we talk about virtual stores, we refer to the commerce that depends clearly on the internet, more specifically these businesses use websites or mobile applications that allow interaction, selection or purchase through the internet. There are not only virtual videogame stores, the variety of virtual stores is extremely wide, but in this case we will focus on videogames.

People or vendors who have virtual stores or try to sell video games over the Internet, usually use key tools to attract the attention of their customers, whether web pages or computer applications that allow us to see what is really going to buy and what is its value? In the case of videogames, licenses are usually purchased only to allow us to download and play the video game, knowing that the online service is usually extremely fast at the purchase level, using credit cards, PayPal and Bitcoin as the main means of payment.

What advantages and disadvantages can we find in a virtual video game store?

Advantage:

• We do not need to leave the comfort of our home to acquire a video game.

• We save additional transportation costs.

• We can find any video game that we look for, since the capacity and variety is practically unlimited.

• The purchase is almost immediate in advanced web pages, for that reason we will not need to hurry so much with the fear that they will run out.

• We help the environment, since we avoid the production of plastics or other polluting materials.

Disadvantages:

• We run the risk of an inconvenience arising when purchasing the game.

• Usually you can not listen to anecdotes or advice from another person about the video game.

• We are prone to be scammed, if we do not take the necessary precautions that indicate safety.

• We cling more to not leaving our home, which will make us lose contact with society and its virtues.

• The space of our hard disk are limited, so we can not collect all the games we want.

What are the recent innovations in virtual stores?

As we all know, innovation is the art of modifying existing elements with the aim of improving them more and more, adding perhaps characteristics that improve services and make people feel comfortable. After so much talking about what the physical and virtual stores are, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, we are probably wondering how updated the virtual stores are.

Cloud Computing.

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The majority of the current population must have heard at some point talk about cloud computing, or simply "cloud". The cloud is a paradigm that allows to offer computer services through a personalized network, which usually uses internet services to feed and reach more people.

I believe that cloud computing is one of the most important factors in virtual stores, since those who want to open their own virtual stores and do not have a server capable of supporting so many paperwork without collapsing, there are always other computers (Clouds) that we can rent to provide storage and processing, all through the internet.

Thanks to the cloud is that we can obtain digital video games almost immediately, since those who store the spaces to download or acquire a game license are specialized platforms to perform those tasks. We can also use the cloud to please ourselves, because in case the memory of our devices is full of information, we can use cloud storage to save games and not get lost, as there are people who They like to collect everything.

Cryptocurrencies and their use in videogames

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Let's repair a bit in simple terms that is a cryptocurrency. A cryptocurrency is a virtual currency whose function is to allow the exchange of goods and services through a system of electronic transactions without the need for an intermediary.

• Among its main advantages we have that they are decentralized; this means they are not controlled by any state, bank or financial institution.

• They are anonymous; This allows you to preserve your privacy when making transactions.

• Its use is international; They can be used from anywhere in the world.

• They are safe; This means that the coins only belong to you and can not be intervened by anyone.

• Without intermediaries; All transactions are made directly from person to person.

• They are faster; their transactions are much faster compared to those of state or financial entities.

• Taking into account all these advantages and very popular websites like Steam and G2A.

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Guys I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but recently Steam announced that they will no longer accept Bitcoin (enter here to see the news ) hopefully they will return to work with her.

conclusion

After analyzing what virtual stores consist of, I must say that they have more advantages than disadvantages compared to physical stores. I am a faithful believer in the potential of virtual videogame stores that allow purchases through the use of cryptocurrencies. The benefits it provides are considerably higher than using a credit card; taking into account that we do not need this limitation of having a bank account.

It should be noted however, the physical stores of videogames must endure and exist forever, not only because of the diversity they offer, but also because of the nostalgia for the retro that we once experienced. Diversity is entertainment therefore we do not fall into the everyday. There must be a balance between the two; It depends on us that this happens. If you live near a physical videogame store, enjoy its benefits, but also take advantage of the great potential of virtual stores.