http://gamasutra.com/view/news/167124/NPD_Digital_nontraditional_business_almost_half_of_retail_game_sales_last_quarter.php

Consumers spent $3.33 billion on games outside of retail (e.g. digital downloads, social/mobile games) in the U.S. and key European markets during the fourth quarter of 2011, the NPD Group reports.

Originally posted by ForTheCity

http://gamasutra.com/view/news/167124/NPD_Digital_nontraditional_business_almost_half_of_retail_game_sales_last_quarter.php

Consumers spent $3.33 billion on games outside of retail (e.g. digital downloads, social/mobile games) in the U.S. and key European markets during the fourth quarter of 2011, the NPD Group reports.

$2.04 billion of that was spent in the U.S. alone -- equaling almost half the $4.5 billion amount NPD reported for total packaged software sales at retail (including titles for home consoles, handhelds, and PC) in the States during the October to December 2011 period.

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How many people actually purchase apps, games, or prefer digital downloads over the hard copy? In the past year I've probably spend $1 in the app store and the only reason I purchased the game was because I was interviewing for the company. I think I'll always prefer the hard copy over digital download as it feels like I'm spending $60 for the box and disc. I feel like if I spend $60 on something I can't physically touch, then what would be the point.

 

What are your inputs on digital downloads?

Umm...

...

Youre paying for the umm..Game?  Yknoe..The software? The box and CD are just like...containers for the software.  Now lets be honest who actually buys stuff for their containers?  I dont unless Im actually buying yknoe...A container!

For digital download however, I like it.  Easy to get n stuff.  I would like some sort of box and manual of it though for collection purposes but Ill prolly buy it seperately if I really want it. Or just buy plush toys, keychains, or a card.  I love collecting different cards! @_@

Originally posted by Castillle

Umm...

...

Youre paying for the umm..Game?  Yknoe..The software? The box and CD are just like...containers for the software.  Now lets be honest who actually buys stuff for their containers?  I dont unless Im actually buying yknoe...A container!

 

For digital download however, I like it.  Easy to get n stuff.  I would like some sort of box and manual of it though for collection purposes but Ill prolly buy it seperately if I really want it. Or just buy plush toys, keychains, or a card.  I love collecting different cards! @_@

Oh I guess thats what I'm trying to say. Well I mean you still want the box and manual for collection purposes, thats basically what I want it for too. Plus for digital you can't resell the game. Also why would you purchase the digital copy, which is usually the same price, plus spend more money on a box if you wanted it?

Plus I wouldn't be able to let my friends borrow my game if I purchased digital. 

lol at your random love for collecting different cards. 

Console & PC Downloads

DLC downloads

Smartphone and touchpad games

I guess this is the end of physical mediums in the gaming industry, unless you want to spend 100.00+ to buy a special edition of the game. I enjoyed the extra stuff that came with the actual physical products, and even the advertisements for games I hadn't heard of before. Guess that's over.