I don't know what I hear more of these days - claims that PC gaming is about to die, or claims that it's doing awesomely... Today Edge reported that research group JPR claims that the PC gaming market is bigger than the PS3, Wii and Xbox 360 all put together. Eh?
JPR says that the PC gaming market is worth over $20 billion and will rise to $34 billion by 2012. They go on to say that about 196 million PC gaming machines were sold from '05 to '08. They have three classifications for gaming machine, and they say that 10 million of the 196 million machines fell into the highest class - the "mainstream enthusiast class," which includes high-end desktop PCs.
This sounds great, but what about game sales? No too long ago, we were hearing that PC game sales accounted for only 14% of total game sales in '07, although NPD admits that this number does not take into account sales from digital distribution. Until we have a more complete picture of game sales, I think it's tough to make the call either way. Regardless of how many PCs are out there, if games aren't being purchased the PC gaming market is still at risk.
I'd like to know more about what JPR considers to be a "PC Game Machine" and what are the major markets for these sales. I'd also like to compare this data with some reliable game sales data. Geeze, I might as well ask for an ivory back-scratcher while I'm at it :D
My gut tells me that when two sides disagree, reality usually lies somewhere in the middle.
Pc gaming may even be bigger must hardcore pc gamers build their hardware. As for sales, I beleave pc games last alot longer than console games do.
wow, sims, guild wars, half life, starcraft, daiblo, linage etcs makes more money than any console game!
no ones is tracking dd sales or free game website sales. How about the fact wow and soccer manger is at the top right now in uk charts.
How about the fact there are places in the world that only use pc's for gaming like china!
There is also the fact pc gamers could use emulators to play any console.
Posted by: dreamhunk | November 19, 2008 at 03:36 PM
crysis sold 1.6 mill on the pc yea pc gaming is dead! witcher sold 1 mill on the pc yea pc gaming is dead! staclker clear skies sold 2 mill yea pc gaming is dead! spore sold 2 mill yea pc gaming is dead!
head over to lucas arts fourms you will see well over 3 000 posts about force unleashed not being on the pc. There alot of people who no longer like or respect lucats arts!
Posted by: dreamhunk | November 20, 2008 at 04:12 AM
Well, although there are two sides to any argument I don't think this latest study is clearly in any one side. As you said, game sales data is significantly more important than potential market size when discussing if the PC market is viable. I'd also like to know the bare minimum PC spec that was included in those figures. In my book, I'd only count machines that can replicate the Xbox 360/PS3 experience. Doesn't have to be exactly the same and can even assume 800x600 resolution. Once that's determined one can compare to either console and conclude anything re PC market's viability as a console competitor. As a second rung, you could also include all PCs that can replicate the capabilities of the Wii (minus the motion-sensitive controller).
Posted by: Mordenkainen | November 20, 2008 at 08:29 AM
well lets see the hardware in must console right now are from 2005. Also there is the fact I can play game from the past. Aslo there is wii controler as well as hacked wii controllers for the pc out already. So good luck with that.
Posted by: blackdreamhunk | November 20, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I mean to say i can play games from the past. like go to gog.com or get a used game from ebay. Then all those free games on the net.
Posted by: blackdreamhunk | November 20, 2008 at 01:01 PM
These types of research groups usually put people who play solitaire, peggle and poker online as gamers, so those numbers could be extremely deceptive.
Posted by: Abdul | November 20, 2008 at 02:04 PM
@dreamhunk: The big name shooter, strategy and rpg/mmo titles will get their sales... but the question is can small or medium sized developers survive on the PC?
Look at Nintendo, they have great sales for their blockbuster games, but something innovative and fresh like Boom Blox absolutely bombed. Just because they have a bunch of great selling games does not mean its a great platform for all developers.
Posted by: dreamhunk | November 20, 2008 at 02:08 PM
maybe you should ask stardock, crytek, the Indie game devs. Maybe the guys who made the witcher game. Pc gaming wouldn't be where it is today if this wasn't true.
If one game devs leaves there is always another game dev to replace them.
console vs pc that this like saying the the borg queen vs ice queen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAHW7GMbgLg
Here I am going to show you some thing. pc gaming and pc gamers are alot like this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wUF1WWUhNs
It may seem geeky to you but we are a new generation. I have to said that mirco soft has a long way to go to win the trust of pc gamers.
Posted by: dreamhunk | November 21, 2008 at 04:29 AM
By the way, that post saying @dreamhunk was by me... oops :p
Posted by: Abdul | November 21, 2008 at 10:54 AM
here some people don't under stand me! I found a nice article
http://www.clickz.com/3631593
we are the future welcome to our world, we are the new generation
Posted by: dreamhunk | November 22, 2008 at 08:28 AM