Is Online Distribution The Way Of The Future?

Posted on August 31, 2007 - Filed Under Industry News, Indy Gaming |

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I recently read an article discussing whether the digital distribution model will overtake the box shelf model for games. Many casual games use the digital distribution method of getting the games to their customers. Steam

The digital distribution model makes sense for casual games because they tend to be smaller games and don’t take a lot of time to download. The digital distribution model also allows small indie developers to enter the market with less or no manufacturing and production costs. Plus, the indie developers do not need to prove themselves to a publisher, they are able to self publish.

The box model only gives developers a two week period to prove themselves before they lose their shelf space. You either need a blockbuster game or a well known publisher in your corner. It is difficult to get a well known publisher to back your game.

I don’t think bigger more “hard core” games will go digital distribution. The “hard core” games would be huge downloads and take hours. Not to mention not everyone is on a high speed connection. I think, at least in North America, we have a ways to go before digital distribution is used for all types of games.

Thanks Guardian Unlimited

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