The banks are in a crisis, real estate is washing out to shore, and the retail sector is tightening the belt in almost all aspects. In an economy where more people are jobless, there is less money to be spent, and people are less eager to whip out their credit cards you wouldn't expect to hear something like this. While 2008 was a bleak year, in fact, an economic disaster, the video game industry still managed to increase overall sales by about 20%.
So how can we explain this away? Is it just an overall increase in available game media? Is it the fact that people, while they have less disposable income, have more free time on their hands? Some video game companies are tanking, while others are doing very well, and as a whole the video game industry appears pretty solid. Or so it would seem. And what do video game companies need to do in order to keep selling video games? Lower prices? More free after-purchase content (like add-ons via XBL or PSN)? What are your thoughts? Comments are encouraged.
Comments
I’d like to see more titles for older people. Games that don’t have the repeat and/or elaborate button presses/combinations that most have. I’d like more of the “King’s Field” type games or more of the original type role playing games of the original Play Station and not so much emphasis on the 3-D “action” war and Grand Theft Auto type games.
It is doubtful that more free after-purchase content such as the ones you suggest will influence the average consumer to buy when he or she is experiencing a substantial drop in their expendable income. When such an experience is had by the majority of consumers, it is the IMMEDIATE fiscal effects of their purchases that will determine whether they buy: The luxury of placing value on things like add-ons is simply not experienced by the majority of vg consumers in the foreseeable market. The only option left, it seems, is to lower prices.
How much do think the price can be lowered without sacrificing quality?
i love the more 3D the better
i love GTA its my favourite
yes 3D games are easier and exciting to play it gives you the natural idea