Half of all PC gamers wait for a game to go on sale before buying

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Sales may be killing developers’ chances of getting gamers to pay full price for new releases.

Half of all PC gamers in the US wait for a game’s price to drop before buying it.

That’s according to a report by the NPD Group, via GamesIndustry.

The report, which draws on a June survey of 6,255 individuals, said 46% of respondents who game on PC bought a title digitally in the last year, but those who download games rather than visit the shops are “far less likely” to pay full price.

“Consumers’ expectations may be the greatest barrier to maximizing spending in the PC gaming space,” NPD analyst Liam Callahan said.

“Since half of PC gamers who play digital and/or physical games on the computer are expecting there to always be a sale right around the corner, publishers and retailers alike need to better manage these expectations.”

As a consumer, you may be thinking something along the lines of “half of all PC gamers are very sensible, then”, but some developers – particularly indies – have strong concerns about the effect of sales on the games industry.

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Related Forum: PC Gaming Forum

Source: http://www.vg247.com/2014/09/10/half-of-all-pc-gamers-wait-for-a-game-to-go-on-sale-before-buying-report/

Comments

"Half of all PC gamers wait for a game to go on sale before buying" :: Login/Create an Account :: 66 comments

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MoCapPosted:

I just like saving the cash, but I usually pay the full price in games rather then waiting a sale.

MarkzehhPosted:

Nothing wrong with saving a bit money!

dmofPosted:

Can't blame em. I do that as well. Save money boys!

ImmortalGengarPosted:

Why pay $30 on day one when you can wait awhile and get it for half price? Is it hard for these big game companies to realise everyone loves a bargain!

PolygonPosted:

Why wouldn't you wait for a sale?
This concept isn't strictly for PC Gamers, console players may also wait for sales but are less likely to wait because sales on console... well... Are bad.
Where as on Steam, sales are amazing - so I don't see why anyone would pay full price to play a game quicker - rather than paying a high discounted price of that game and wait a little to play it.

It's just what PC gamers are used to now.
Which is also a benefit as to why PC gaming is rapidly growing.

vWatsoncPosted:

I've done this a few times because we all know that steam has a lot of great game so I usually see a game that I am interested in and then add it to my basket but wait until there is a deal on it, it's a good way to save money !