New data coming from the UK National Gamers Survey 2009 (www.nationalgamerssurvey.co.uk) and identical surveys in the US and other EU markets confirm this and reveal new facts on different aspects of games industry’s hottest topic: “digital distribution”. Conducted by TNS and Gamesindustry.com, the survey found that 25% of all console users in the UK have downloaded and paid for complete games or extra levels via their console. 7% state that, when acquiring new games, they usually buy the game directly via their console. For PC games this figure is double: 14% of PC gamers are accustomed to buying and downloading directly online. Figures from the identical survey held in the US shows even more dramatic figures: 16% and 23%, respectively.

Game portals and mobile

19% of the UK population plays games on their mobile phone. 44% actually downloads new games and pays directly via their handset. The enormous reach of casual game portals – used by 32% of the total UK population -  is due to the fact most games are free, but 20% of UK game portal players state they spend money on the portal. In the US this is even 33%. Paid subscriptions are the most popular in both countries but already 6% of all UK and US game portal players frequently buy premium games online.

Console and PC games

55% of the UK population plays games on consoles and 35% state they play PC games.  27% of UK console players state they download levels or complete games via their console, almost all have experienced paying for this. For Xbox 360 and PS3 the figures go up dramatically: 51% and 55% respectively; 25% for Nintendo Wii. When buying complete new games, 7% of all console players states they usually do so directly via the console. 14% of PC gamers pay and download games directly. As can be expected percentages are even higher in the younger age groups].

Video content and demos

Online distribution is not only a factor in purchasing games. Almost 25% of UK console game players state that the availability of a downloadable trial version or demo is a crucial factor in their buying decision. This is close to the 30% for PC gamers that traditionally have online access. 45% of PS3 users downloads or accesses video content via their console. This is 41% for Xbox360 and a mere 22% for Nintendo Wii.

Game market revenues

Fast growing segments of the game market such as MMOs, mobile games and game portals are already attracting significant revenues through direct online payments. With the addition of console and PC game revenues shifting away from traditional retail, additional tools and approaches are needed to get the full picture of the games market.