14 DAY TRIAL // A new report from Screen Digest - "Digital Distribution of Games - Growth Opportunities and Forecasts to 2010" - predicts that growth in the digital distribution of video games is expected to be strong and constant from now until 2010.
Screen Digest forecasts that the Western World digital distribution market - download and streaming - of PC games and console add-on content is likely to reach over 400 million dollars by 2010. Small when compared to retail sales, but sizeable enough for publishers to take this sales channel very seriously.
There are a few major trends which characterise the market at the mid-point of 2005. Significantly, most available premium game content is PC-based and appeals to a narrower consumer segment than mainstream console platforms.
Another key trend - the lack of publisher and developer support for the sales channel with regards to content availability - has started to dissipate during the last 12-18 months. Although there remains a general reticence to compete with the retail channel, more premium and up-to-date PC titles are available via download and GoD services than ever before.
This means only one thing. More money, More games!
This week, Softpedia would like to know your opinion on gaming consoles. What is your favorite console you either own or you are planning to buy? Are you an Xbox fan or a Playstation fan? Has Xbox360 convinced you it's time to buy one? Or you'll wait for the PS3? Express your opinion here.