Last year 2 different GOTY games launched without a physical edition. They both later got (or are getting) physical editions but only as what amounts to a limited time order. If a video game publisher does something and gets away with it or finds success it's only a matter of time before the next publisher tries it. We're likely getting close to the day games either launch as digital only and introduce a limited physical edition later or you have to pre-order the physical edition at launch or you'll be SOL on getting it.
Obviously the publishers want you purchasing digital because it's less overhead for them but this will be problematic because as you can see with Baldur's Gate III these games could probably rarely go on sale as much have less discounts and have far less options for consumer purchase. It's a way to force the purchase of a deluxe edition even if you just want the standard as they don't have to offer that in physical at all. That would mean if you want the physical edition of the game you're either paying full price or more. That could invite scalpers.
Obviously the publishers want you purchasing digital because it's less overhead for them but this will be problematic because as you can see with Baldur's Gate III these games could probably rarely go on sale as much have less discounts and have far less options for consumer purchase. It's a way to force the purchase of a deluxe edition even if you just want the standard as they don't have to offer that in physical at all. That would mean if you want the physical edition of the game you're either paying full price or more. That could invite scalpers.
