Hardcore Gaming's Salvation?

Quarter to Three talks to three developers about the profits and perils of bypassing the traditional retail market

Con't.

Qt3: Finally, what's the future of direct sales of games, and what impact will that have on the types of games we see?

Wardell: We'll see a return of Niche games. Right now, if you go to the stores you'll see mainly the same types of games. Compare the selection we have now with what we had in say 1989 when there were plenty of different types of games.

The dirty little secret isn't so much that adventure games don't sell, it's that they don't sell high enough to afford getting into retail en masse. Same for many types of simulations and strategy games. You come up with the next Tetris? Too bad, it's not complicated enough to get at retail. Can't do a cut-scene for Tetris! But in a world in which people are comfortable with buying the game on-line and getting it right then and there, these games can happen.

It's already happened in the utility and application markets. 5 years ago, Powerquest (makers of Partition Magic) probably sold most of their individual units at retail. Today, I bet it's mostly sold direct electronically.

The real winner is the gamer. The gamers will have a lot more choice AND game companies will be so much more evened out that they will have to compete more on game play, features, and support. You'll see games behave more like utilities and applications where you buy BaldurCraft Tycoon 5.0 and you'll expect a 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, etc. for free and they'll have real new features and enhancements if they want to compete with the other games that come out that are providing increased value after purchase.

Dunham: I think it's clear there will be more use of direct sales, especially for more niche products like "more stuff and harder" sequels for games that weren't huge hits (Firaxis has been doing this, as I recall).

Moylan: I completely agree with what David and Brad said. We'll see the return of niche games because the barriers to entry in retail can now be bypassed. The Internet is already leading to a wider variety of game genres being produced, and therefore greater choice for gamers.

Thanks guys! We appreciate you taking the time to talk with us.

Comments? Click here.

Previous Page    Back to Features