Digital distribution catches up with retail sales
Sales from digital download services have finally caught up with boxed retail sales according to the leading market research company, the NPD Group.
Sales from digital download services have finally caught up with boxed retail sales according to the leading market research company, the NPD Group. Valve’s Steampowered.com, Direct2drive.com and EA.com were among the top five online distribution channels contributing to the 21.3 million full-game digital downloads during 2009 in America. This is compared to the 23.5 million physical units purchased in bricks and mortar retail during the same period.
The NPD Group say the top 5 digital distribution services in 2009 – based on percentage share – break down like this:
- Steampowered.com
- Direct2drive.com
- Blizzard.com
- EA.com
- Worldofwarcraft.com
Blizzard’s listing in third and fifth show the raw might World Of Warcraft. Could Blizzard topple EA and Direct2Drive with Cataclysm and Star Craft II upon release? Are you downloading your games, or do you still prefer your wares in physical form? Why not drop in on the forum and let us know…
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It will be interesting to see how Blizzard do, especially if they use their DD service to sell post-release maps. Seeing as they have Starcraft, WOW: Cataclysm and Diablo coming in quick (for Blizzard) succession, they are in a good position.
The main thing will be whether Activision decide to DD through Battle.net. What if they drop Steam, so they can keep more of a cut of their sales?
What's your opinion?