Newzoo Report “Why PCs Are The True Next Generation Gaming Devices”

With Sony and Microsoft pouring millions of marketing dollars into the global launches of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the focus of Western gaming journalists has been on next gen consoles since the devices were officially announced this spring. While consoles aren’t going away any time soon, these all-in-one-boxes are facing new competition from every direction. And when you whittle down the tablets, Steam boxes and smartphones that are gaining global traction; it’s all about the PC which will remain to be the world’s largest games segment generating $27.4bn this year.

“One of the key points the report attempts to make is that the explosive growth of game video content and eSports is directly related to the free-to-play business model and running games as a service. Post-launch marketing is crucial in getting people to spend more time with your game or game brand and ultimately to spend (more) money within the game….. Not surprising that it’s free-to-play titles that stimulate live game streaming and sharing of video content. At the same time traditional companies, like Nintendo who are shunning free-to-play, also fights the sharing and exploitation of video content by its gamers”

PCs have always been true next generation devices. But Moore’s Law has dropped the price of cutting edge technology and the very definition of a PC has now expanded to include portable devices of all kinds. With consumer electronics companies, wireless providers and even game developers like Valve and Oculus VR getting into the game, the “PC” takes lead in innovation and giving gamers the freedom they enjoy so much.

On a global scale, there are more “core” PC/MMO gamers than “core” console gamers, all looking for the next great gaming experience — whether that’s an indie hit or a blockbuster “AAA” title. These PC gamers, are spending more time not just playing games, but creating and sharing videos about their favourite ones. And they’re watching live streams of professional video game players practising and competing in big tournaments for millions of dollars. This has created a “perfect storm” for PC gaming that ties in nicely with the importance of post-launch exposure for free-to-play games that are all run as a service. Ultimately PC Gaming gives the power to the people, consumers and developers alike.

Since the uptake of smartphones and tablets as a game device, developers are faced with an even higher number of platforms and technologies to develop their games for. In theory, games can be developed for all operating systems but in practice, differences in end-user interaction and technology forces developers to make a choice. The figure featured below emphasizes the unique proposition of the PC as a game platform.

PC Gaming has always been a focus of Newzoo’s global and local research, including PC downloadable games and MMO games. Current developments in the market call for an overview of trends and data on this segment as well as insights into the growth of eSports and game-related video content. Newzoo’s free trend report, titled PC Gaming, Power to the People, does just that. The report also features insights and data from several contributors, including Twitch, YouTube, Turtle Entertainment / Electronic Sports League (ESL), Thisisgame.com, 17173.com, Intel and Wargaming. GlobalCollect contributes content and is the exclusive sponsor of the free report that can be downloaded here.

Thank you Newzoo for providing us with this information.