NPD: PC retail and digital distribution sales reaching parity
The NPD's "PC Games Digital Downloads: Analyst Report" states that in 2009, 21.3 million "full-game" PC titles were downloaded through digital distribution networks, while 23.5 million physical units were purchased at retail. Yes, despite the explosion of digital distribution in the PC space, retail is still important.
Overall, digital distribution "accounted for 36 percent of dollar sales," but the initial cost of a PC product -- if it even has any upfront cost -- doesn't really give the full picture of the financial potential.
The top five "frontline" digital retailers (those who have the games that are also typically offered in stores) were: Steam (SURPRISE!) Direct2Drive Blizzard.com EA.com Worldofwarcraft.com We've listed the top five casual digital retailers after the break. NPD notes that casual distributors have lost market share due to the rise of "social network gaming" (Facebook) and free, inexpensive mobile titles.
Overall, digital distribution "accounted for 36 percent of dollar sales," but the initial cost of a PC product -- if it even has any upfront cost -- doesn't really give the full picture of the financial potential.
The top five "frontline" digital retailers (those who have the games that are also typically offered in stores) were: Steam (SURPRISE!) Direct2Drive Blizzard.com EA.com Worldofwarcraft.com We've listed the top five casual digital retailers after the break. NPD notes that casual distributors have lost market share due to the rise of "social network gaming" (Facebook) and free, inexpensive mobile titles.
