Dropout, the digital comedy studio born from the remnants of CollegeHumor, is taking a decidedly analog step. The company, led by CEO Sam Reich, is releasing the first two seasons of its flagship show, Game Changer, on Blu-ray. The move, announced Friday, marks a rare foray into physical media for a streaming-first entertainment company, and a direct challenge to the increasingly common practice of content disappearing from digital platforms.
For those unfamiliar, Game Changer is a comedy game show where the rules are constantly shifting, and the contestants are kept entirely in the dark. Premiering in 2019, it quickly became a cornerstone of Dropout’s programming, evolving from a show produced under the CollegeHumor banner to a defining feature of the rebranded streaming service. The show’s format, which often leads to chaotic and hilarious scenarios, spawned spin-offs like Make Some Noise, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
Reich framed the Blu-ray release as a response to the inherent instability of digital content. “Listen, digital media is great. Without it, toilet time would be boring,” he said in the announcement video. However, he pointed out the very real risk of shows vanishing into the digital ether, a concern recently highlighted by the impending removal of numerous Netflix originals. (As reported by What’s On Netflix, over 100 Netflix originals are slated to leave the platform throughout 2026.) The Blu-ray, represents a way for fans to own and preserve content they enjoy, a tangible counterpoint to the ephemeral nature of streaming.
This isn’t simply a nostalgic gesture. It’s a calculated experiment. Reich explicitly stated that the release is “bare-bones,” lacking any special features or director’s commentaries. This minimalist approach allows Dropout to gauge demand for physical media without significant upfront investment. If the Blu-ray proves successful, the company has indicated it may expand its physical releases to include other popular shows like Very Important People.
The decision to embrace physical media is particularly noteworthy given Netflix’s abandonment of the format. While once offering DVDs by mail and even releasing some titles on Blu-ray, Netflix discontinued these services years ago, fully committing to a streaming-only model. Dropout’s move is a direct contrast, suggesting a belief that a segment of the audience still values owning physical copies of their favorite shows. It’s a bet that preservation and collectibility hold value in an increasingly disposable media landscape.
The first two seasons of Game Changer feature some of the show’s most memorable moments. Season one includes the episode “Make Some Noise,” which proved so popular it was developed into its own series. Season two boasts “Do I Hear $1?”, a particularly cringe-inducing challenge involving Ally Beardsley, Grant O’Brien, and Raph Chestang, and the infamous “Yes or No” episode, specifically designed to provoke a reaction from Brennan Lee Mulligan, now the Game Master for Critical Role’s upcoming Campaign 4. (Variety reported on Mulligan’s new role with Critical Role earlier this week.)
Beyond the Blu-ray itself, Dropout is also capitalizing on the release with new merchandise, including a Game Changer Loop-De-Loop blanket, slippers, and a pin commemorating Jacob Wysocki’s viral “You are a regular guy” rant from a recent episode of Make Some Noise. This integrated approach, combining physical media with complementary merchandise, demonstrates Dropout’s commitment to building a dedicated fan base and fostering a sense of community.
The Game Changer Blu-ray collection is available for purchase at the Dropout store for $28. The success of this experiment will likely shape Dropout’s future strategy, potentially paving the way for more physical releases and a broader re-evaluation of the value of owning content in the age of streaming. It’s a bold move, and one that could resonate with viewers who are increasingly wary of the fleeting nature of digital entertainment.
