Digital sales already play a big part in the console gaming scene, between game offerings on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network and growing DLC offerings with every new console game release. However, by 2017, it’ll take a huge leap, according to a report from IHS, with 34 percent of all console software spending going to digital sales.
“A key driver for this digital transition will be publisher ambition to release most games digitally at the same time as boxed versions at retail outlets,” said the report prepared by Piers Harding-Rolls, head of games.
“Those titles that have already experimented with digital ‘day and date’ releases alongside boxed versions have enjoyed a small but growing digital share of total sales volume, but IHS predicts that by 2017 new releases could be enjoying up to 18 per cent digital sales depending on geography.”
Both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are set to offer digital game sales alongside retail releases, though the huge file sizes may sway gamers to install from a disc rather than endure a whopping download. Still, smaller digital titles should be quite popular with gaming audiences.
Source: GamesIndustry International
