Ben-DutkaIf you don't play video games online, you're in the definite minority. Not surprising.
According to the NPD Group's Online Gaming 2013 report , 72% of gamers in the US play online. That's up 5% from 2012, and there was an increase in the number of hours spent playing on all surveyed platforms; up 9% in overall gaming and 6% in online gaming. Said NPD Group analyst Liam Callahan:
"Besides the size of the gaming audience and sales performance, one of the key metrics for the industry to watch is the time gamers spend playing games. This study found that the overall amount of time spent gaming, and time spent gaming online increased across virtually every type of device, and notably so, versus 2012."
The PC was the top platform for online gaming, with 68% of US gamers saying they play online with their computers. That's actually down 4% year-over-year, though, while online play with mobile devices rose 12%. And here's an interesting point- Despite all this, 62% of gamers surveyed would still rather buy a game in physical format as opposed to a digital download. On the other hand, digital remains on the rise, as Callahan added:
"While many gamers prefer games in the physical format, the increased availability of digital content paired with a greater amount of connected devices has driven an increase in the number of consumers going online to access the content they want."
The report included results taken from 8,867 individuals. And of course, I'm once again part of the minority but hey, I'm used to it.
I would really like to see more details of those numbers. If people prefer physical copies, but the digital downloads are on the increase I want to know how much of that is handhelds? Handhelds being smartphones, ipods and tablets where you cannot buy physical copies.
Its the future, but sometimes where we think there is good reasons to have it there is always a bad side. Example, bring the price down as well where they are saving on not producing a physical copy and leaving it up to us to backup to one.
Keep Playing!
I agree, I'd like to see more details too, especially how these numbers are spread across the different platforms.
I suspect it's mainly console gamers found in the category who prefer physical copies, simply cause that's where physical copies still is the main way of distributing the games (and people prefer to keep things how they are used to).
Same with online gaming: Online gaming has been a part of PC gaming much longer, ergo that's where you find most online gamers. Again – it's what people are used to. It's only natural, really.
Last edited by Beamboom on 5/2/2013 12:29:54 PM
I go online and I prefer physical media over digital so I guess you could say I am well represented by this survey.
With that said, I would sure love to see the official numbers from Sony and MS in regards to what percentage of their players go online. I say this because 9,000 people really isn't that much considering how many consoles are out there.
For a sample, 9k is actually on the large side.
I just can't pass on some of the ps+ discounts. Honestly you have no soul if you don't buy Sly 4 for $20 this week on the ps store. Cross buy.
I bought GoW Ghost of Sparda for PSP/Vita this week on the sale. been playing it.
I sorta want the PS3 version too because it'd be much smoother to play. The handheld version is rife with screen tearing and more sluggish frame rates. It still looks incredible though. Quite the feat for PSP quality and it does impress.
Anyone try Tekken 6 on PSP? That's insanely good looking. I'd say it's the best looking game I've played on that handheld. I can't believe how accurate it is to a PS3 GAME!
How much of that is DLC which we have no other way to get?
All of it
oh games that SEga has only released through online means too. I want my Daytona USA and Virtua Fighter 2 pressed on plastic baby! I had no other choice.
When you want something PHYSICAL in your HANDS to see WHERE your HARD EARNED money WENT; this is NO surprise.