The trend of downloading video games digitally is increasing in Canada, as more and more gamers are shying away from purchasing physical copies of the games. Canada-based Video Game Acquisition was the first to highlight this trend and the latest research conducted by worldwide information firm The NPD Group, has indicated that the sales of physical copies of video game are sliding while digital downloading of games is going up in spite of the fact that gamers in Canada love console gaming. A major reason behind this increase in downloading of games is mainly because of free downloads.
This could be judged from the fact that during last year the average rate of acquiring games per user was 17.3, but now in 2013 this figure has slide down to 15.4. According to The NPD Group this drift is “due primarily to a drop in physical sales attributed to fewer new title releases over the past year” (25% less).
The research also reads that, “The way people are playing video games continues to shift, with Canadians spending more time on mobile handheld devices like tablets and smart phones. Consequently, mobile gaming has grown to be a major part of the video game industry.”
In contrast to physical acquisition of games the digital channel has saw an increase of 8 percent in 2013, as during 2012 the total number of downloading acquisitions was close to 50 percent and now it stands at 58 percent. However, this increase in the digital downloading of games has not affected downloading of paid gaming in the last three years.
On the other hand, the share of free downloading of games has approximately doubled since 2011, which has introduced a new area for casual gamers.
The NPD Group’s account manager, Technology and Entertainment, Meghan Campbell said that, “The digital gaming market continues to be a growing channel in Canada, so it is necessary for both manufactures and retailers to understand what kind of impact this has on the industry as a whole. It is yet to be seen, however, if ‘free’ gamers will eventually contribute to the marketplace or if they will simply continue to enjoy playing without paying.”
Adding to it, Campbell said that, “With greater competition between traditional consoles and other emerging gaming devices, it is critical for manufacturers to meet or exceed consumer expectations. In order to encourage early adoption, retailers must focus their marketing efforts on the industry’s new innovations to entice target shoppers and eventually win their business.”
Source: TechVibes
Photo: DepthCore
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