The sale of online gaming software has risen to demonstrate digital dominance in the gaming industry, according to a report by SuperData. In 2019, the gaming industry generated $152bn, with $35.4bn generated through digital gaming software sales, an increase of 2% on the previous year. Additionally, digital gaming revenue surpassed that of traditional retail gaming, with online gaming accounting for 78% of the total gaming market, and physical retail games accounting for just 22%. The rise of online gaming has led to new business models and digital-only game stores such as Steam and Epic Games Store.
Digital dominance: Statistics show a rise in sales of online gaming software
Introduction
Online gaming has taken the world by storm, with millions of people playing games on their smartphones, computers, and consoles every day. With the rise of digital technology, the gaming industry has seen a surge in online game sales in recent years. According to the latest statistics, the sale of online gaming software has skyrocketed, showing the digital dominance in the gaming industry.
Statistics
According to the recent report from SuperData, a Nielsen company that provides market intelligence on gaming and digital entertainment, the global gaming market generated a whopping $152 billion in 2019. Out of this, $35.4 billion was from digital gaming software sales, which is a 2% increase from the previous year.
The report also revealed that online gaming revenue has surpassed that of the traditional retail gaming industry. In 2019, digital gaming accounted for 78% of the total gaming market, whereas physical retail games accounted for only 22%. This shows that the gaming industry is moving towards the digital era, and online gaming software is driving the growth.
Reasons for the rise
There are several reasons why online gaming is dominating the gaming industry. The first reason is the widespread availability of high-speed internet connections, which makes it easy for gamers to download and play games online. This has also led to a rise in the number of gamers, as more people have access to digital games.
The second reason is the convenience of digital games. Gamers can purchase and download games from the comfort of their own homes, without the need to physically go to a store. This has also given rise to mobile gaming, as gamers can play games on their smartphones or tablets while on the go.
Finally, digital gaming provides gamers with a wide range of options. There are thousands of games available online, from casual games to AAA titles. This means that gamers can find a game that suits their interests and preferences.
Impact on the gaming industry
The rise of online gaming has had a significant impact on the gaming industry. Traditional retail gaming stores are struggling to keep up with the digital trend, and many have closed down in recent years. This has led to a rise in digital-only game stores, such as Steam and Epic Games Store, which provide gamers with access to a wide range of games.
Online gaming has also given rise to new business models, such as free-to-play games, which generate revenue through in-game purchases. This has led to a rise in microtransactions, which has been a controversial issue among gamers. However, it has also led to the development of new games, which might not have been possible with traditional retail models.
Conclusion
The rise of online gaming software sales is a clear indication of the digital dominance in the gaming industry. With the availability of high-speed internet connections, convenience, and a wide range of options, digital gaming is driving the growth of the gaming market. The impact of online gaming is evident, and it is clear that traditional retail gaming stores need to adapt to the digital trend to remain relevant.