Downloads Driving Gaming Sales Growth (article)
Note: this graph is for aesthetic purposes only; no correlation between actual sales data and this graph exist. Just in case you can't already tell...
Everybody who has been online looking for TV shows more than a couple times is probably familiar with programs like Bit Torrent; if not, let me explain: Torrent's are the next generation of "Napster," where you can download media such as movies, albums, television shows, and yes.. even video games. The user downloads a file (called a .torrent) and then uses a program very similar to Napster to activate these files and download whatever content comes with the torrent. For example, if I wanted to download the Trailer Park Boys Movie, I would search for the TPB movie torrent (ie "TrailerParkBoysSeason 7.torrent") and download that to my computer. Then (assuming I have already installed the Bit Torrent or other sharing program) I would use the Bit Torrent software to download the movie with the .torrent file, just like downloading a song from Napster.
So how does this relate to gaming? Well, the story started with Microsoft's release of the Xbox, which was the first console to have a build in hard drive intended to store gaming data. This is important because it essentially makes the Xbox a mini PC, with data storage capabilities and a processor fast enough to run just about any computer program. After a few years, computer nerds started figuring this out, and began to modify Xboxes to bypass Microsoft's default loading sequence. With a little bit of spot welding or software modification, your Xbox (or even Xbox 360) can become a mini media center, with the capability to store whole games on the hard drive, as well as sound and movie files, programs (emulators or media players), and even web browsing capabilities.
Basically, think of the modified Xbox as a way to play any game you want (limited to the console of course) without having the CD. On top of this, you can load your favorite tv shows, movies, or music artists and play them right through your Xbox. This means quicker loading time for games, easier access to your media, and a really really cool piece of hardware that replaces your CD, DVD and video game units all in one. So, now that you understand the modded xbox, the question remains: how does the ability to download games mark an increase in gaming sales, when you consider the trend in the music industry of decreasing sales?
Well, I have a theory. First of all, the latest gaming trends are (and have been) going in the direction of online gaming, which relies on a monthly subscription to sustain itself (see Xbox Live). These services also provide downloadable games which give the user instant access to any games, as well as access to numerous re-released games from older systems like Super Nintendo, Sega or Playstation. And even if these gamers were to download games free of charge from sites like the Pirate Bay, they still have to purchase the console in order to have it modified so that they can download these games. So if you want to be able to download and play Xbox games, you have to actually purchase and own an Xbox, whereas in the music industry an Ipod (while extremely popular, and very cool) is not necessary to listen to your favorite artists.
Finally, I believe that being able to download content like this contributes to the interest levels of gamers. This goes back to the idea of "demo discs" which became common after Playstation borrowed the idea from PC gaming and began releasing numerous samples to the public. These demos allowed you to play the first few levels of four or five different games, so you could find out if it was a game you wanted to buy. With downloading, you get the advantage of being able to own the entire game, but at the same time you can generate the interest of other gamers. This works because there is a community of gamers around the world are constantly trying new games and telling their friends how awesome (or how crappy) the latest titles are.
All in all, its a dangerous piece of hardware for people who can get distracted easily.. Like me. It has so much to keep you occupied that if you're not careful, you could stay glued to your TV for hours. But it keeps me on my toes playing the latest games, and lets me indulge in a little nostalgia with my Super Nintendo emulator whenever I feel the need. And clearly, it isn't hurting the video game market whatsoever. So now that we've all had a little education on the concept of downloading games, its time for me to go fire up the box and get started on my 'homework' for the day.
Ahhh, life is good.
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