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More than half of US gamers don't buy games

Posted Nov 6, 2011 at 9:00AM EST by Harrison E

Listed in: News Tags: dlc, games sales report, GameStop, newzoo, pre-owned sales, psn, xbla

game-uk-retailstore1

56% is an astounding statistic. You could say that 56% of people enjoy cola or caffinated drinks or that 56% of people have seen Ghostbusters 2, but when the statistic is that 56% of gamers do not buy video games, as game sharing is the new norm when it comes to video games. I don't think at any point in recent memory have I borrowed a game or even been a borrower...except I probably should give LA Noire back to a friend.

A new study from NewZoo has found that gamers are sharing more and more amongst family and friends with the 82 million gamers out there in the United States. Guess, it just must be an American thing. Out of almost all the titles they owned, 85% were pre-owned, which is good for places like EB Games, GameStop and Walmart, but bad for developers who consistently hope to bring in new players based on original sales, rather than pre-owned sales...which they get no revenue from whatsoever.

Seeing from this study, such as the report claiming that the DLC market is now worth $960 million in US sales...just for 2011 this year. 12% of all money in the US is spent on games which ahve DLC, which may explain the recent fondness of game developers moving more and more towards DLC, PSN, XBLA games and using online services and passes such as Origin and co-operations between Sony and Steam. If there are more multi-platform releases and sharable DLC, the game industry may be doomed, but for now, I'm gonna go buy a pre-owned copy of Arkham City for twenty two dollars less than a new version.

Via [TheEscapist]

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I'm wondering why companies waited until now to aggressively punish used games? They spend so much time talking about how bad piracy is, but they could have made a lot more sales by actively preventing used game sales. The worst part about used game sales is that it is legal. At least piracy is illegal and takes some learning. Used game sales give nothing to developers and it's legal.

tl;dr Used game sales is like copying a floppy, for money and the devs still don't get paid.

# SHIT — TOUGH 2011-11-08 04:44

Please cry me a river...!
Screw the DEVS, I dont giv a rat's ass.
I have every right to buy whatever I want used or new...besides what so special about GAMES that makes them superior or justifiable comparing to movies or music or books.

YOUR a POOF...I bet U buy other media USED.....ONLY a complete FOOL would buy everything they ever own in their life NEW....or Freakin WEALTHY beyond reason.
Like that DORK who recently paid 1,700 dollors for COD MW3 (NEW)...Is that for REAL!!!!!!!!!!! !!?JEEEEEEEZ...

I tell U wot.....Your just all GAME JUNKIES who HAVE to get as new game evertime on release.....SAD!!!!!

# RE: SHIT — xnamkcor 2011-11-09 15:07

Actually, I don't buy other media. I use Netflix and Pandora. Both of which pay for the right to let me use their service. Pandora is free with ads and Netflix costs me about 10 dollars a month.

-2 # Who to blame...themselves — LeXiO 2011-11-06 16:11

That's what devs get for going digital. And part of the blame are those companies that sell pre owned games. Then again, it's not surprising that so many people pirate. You could even say US is among the top ranked countries when it comes to pirating. There are just too many cheap people out there. I say the world is getting dumber, but US alone can account for more than half of the dumbness there is in the world today.

I know it's not about piracy, but believe me, if there were no piracy, they'd be much more sales than there'd be today. I'm not hating on the US, I just know that US is to blame for a lot of the bad in gaming.

# I don't think so — Karakuroraka-san 2011-11-06 23:26

Here we go again. Does it make you feel better to bash the US in these kinds of posts? How about the fact that most usenet portal sites are hosted in either the UK or the Netherlands. Speaking of the Netherlands, Pirate Bay anyone? The Dutch have made piracy an art form. Do I hear Russia calling? The reason those R5s that float around the internet even exist is to help slow down piracy over there. And lest we bring up China. You can buy pre-modded systems in stores in Central and South America. Hell, Canada didn't really have any laws against torrenting until recently. So quit bitching against the US, it just makes you sound like stupid Euro-trash.

-1 # Are you serious. — LeXiO 2011-11-07 01:10

Me an European, it's funny that you would assume me to be from Europe. Don't try to sound smart without even knowing what you are talking about. It's not who is passing things around, it's who is getting it. If someone from the US chooses to pirate, does it matter who distributed the copy, no. Why, because one would pirate regardless of where it's from. If everyone in the US pirates a game, do you blame US or the distributor. The distributor can take some blame if you want it that way, but the blame should only go to the one who pirated it because they chose to do it. You should stop trying to sound smart and take things as the really are. Quit you're bitching and actually know how it works.

# RE: Are you serious. — liight 2011-11-07 02:20

Do you feel smarter pulling these so called "facts" out of your ass? Because making all those assumptions just make you look like an ignorant dumb fuck. But I guess you are one of those types of people who always says its someone else's fault right?

-1 # RE: RE: Are you serious. — xnamkcor 2011-11-07 03:38

If I call him stupid, nobody will think I am! Genius!

# Know what's funny — LeXiO 2011-11-08 05:27

People like YOU who try to defend piracy. "Assumptions", do you know what facts are, apparently not. Guessing by what's been posted, both of you don't seem to be able to comprehend such an easy statement. I'll sum it up for you, people CHOOSE to pirate. Where it the piracy comes from is irrelevant.

If you are incapable of understanding what's real and what isn't, then don't bother wasting your time. I give people a chance to defend themselves, but when they PROVE they are incapable of doing such, then they aren't worth my time. Idiots will be idiots and anyone who pirates is an idiot.

It's not that hard to tell how dumb people really are now days.

# RE: Know what's funny — xnamkcor 2011-11-09 15:10

People who disapprove of piracy try to defend piracy?

I really don't care which of you is right. I just disapprove of the name calling, on both sides.

-1 # RE: Are you serious. — xnamkcor 2011-11-07 03:39

"an European"

Sorry.

# RE: Who to blame...themselves — DC 2011-11-07 06:26

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_sof_pir_rat-crime-software-piracy-rate

I love the US hate on nearly every forum I go to. I agree at least 50% of the US is filled with idiots and 80% are fat. Do you realize that 50% aren't idiots and 20% aren't fat. And according to the link above 80% aren't pirates which is well below the average for most other countries. I love how people think all Americans are the same. You should judge people on a personal basis rather than where they're from... because it's pretty fucking dumb.

For the record statistics can be very unreliable. 75% of statistics are made up on the spot.

# SHIT — TOUGH 2011-11-08 04:54

I read recently that PS3 hardware sales are down this year.....aaaahhhh!

BUT PS3 software sales are up......WOW!
I bet PIRACY & USED game sales are the prime reason for GAME SALES TO BE "UP"
Unbelievable......

OR has their been Console hardware copying or USED sales happening behind our backs that has influenced the poor sales of PS3's?

My GODD, what excuses will they come up with in the near future......

THE FACT IS: If people don't wanna pay - they don't wanna pay - for whatever the freekin' reason - personally - I couldn't giv 2 shiz if many INDUSTRIES when under - even GAMING!!!!

# RE: More than half of US gamers don't buy games — leo9891 2011-11-06 17:26

Sure blame the USA. Every site I've been to has some foreigner asking how to pirate or promote their website which supports pirates. I'm not saying the USA is not part to blame, cause we are, but so are other countries which are poorer or games are way too expensive for them, so they pirate. Don't point the finger and turn the other way, everyone who has contributed in anyway is to blame. I used to pirate, but that was only for the PSP and some Wii titles. Any XBOX360 or PS3 game I own are 100% legit paid for. I have strayed away from piracy and I'm loving it, but I also only get games I know I'll enjoy so I won't be upset with my purchase(s).

# RE: RE: More than half of US gamers don't buy games — UltimaXIX 2011-11-08 19:25

Guilty conscience, much? Nobody said "blame the USA", the only significance of the country's mention in the title is that the study was carried out IN the USA. If the title was "more than half of gamers don't buy games", then that'd be implying that the entire world's statistics could be extrapolated from studies carried out in just one country.

Jesus Christ, this post felt too stupid to even touch...

# RE: RE: RE: More than half of US gamers don't buy games — UltimaXIX 2011-11-08 19:28

^ Ignore that. I missed the bit which went "maybe it's just an American thing" in the article the first time round.

I was gonna say "serves me right", but I think I'll blame this mix-up on QJs stupidly opinionated sorry excuses for news articles instead. I mean... who even says something like that in a news report?

# RE: RE: RE: RE: More than half of US gamers don't buy games — leo9891 2011-11-08 23:35

It was meant to be replied to LeXiO's post, I forgot to hit the "Reply" button before posting.

# Why bother? — greendrakkon 2011-11-06 21:37

As long as developers keep pushing digital downloads, cheaping out on the actual physical copies of the games, and treating their consumers like morons...

I'm sorry, putting "extra content" on the actual disc and then charging us again for the right to play it is just dirty.

I'll buy the games that deserve a purchase, the rest I'll get used.

# Blame the economy — Noshot4brains 2011-11-06 22:22

First, let me guess, LeXiO is a Brit. Why isn't Brits always blame America for the worlds problems and yet America seems to have to be the worlds policeman. If you're going to blame any country it should be China which blatantly ignore copyright laws. It's also not fair to say most pirates are "cheap people". Blame poor economic situations in countries and of individuals, which falls on each countries politicians and government. Poor economic situations leads to all sorts of crimes and piracy compared to the war on drugs, which leads to violent crimes, is minor. If you're going to blame Americans for anything, blame them for bastardizing the English language, which is what most Brits resort to as a final offense against Americans, and that's fair enough.

# sorry, but.... — yourname 2011-11-26 12:18

...I don't support copyright laws, nor companies getting rich only, sorry. building 1 game with a unique game engine = $****

# RE: More than half of US gamers don't buy games — bearmon2010 2011-11-07 00:46

Yeah, most games are 60 dollars and crap! No thanks. Borrowing or rent or whatever before you buy it or finish the game by borrowing or rent if you can and save your money. 60 dollars are insane and sick!

-1 # Pre Owned — TLC_Nyk 2011-11-07 10:21

When I go to buy a game and I have bought over a hundred disc based if I see a title that is pre-owned I tend to stay away from it as if it was any good they would not have traded it in. Like if they don't want to play it then I don't. I think the study is an inside job to justify what they are planning to do.

# I Only By Ps3 Exclusives — Nick7Michael 2011-11-07 13:02

The Only Games That I Ever Bought Was KILLZONE 3, (Got KILLZONE 2 For Free Brand New), Uncharted 2 (New For $20 From A Person), My Brother Has Uncharted: Drakes Fourtune, Got MAG For Free, I'm Still Waiting For Uncharted 3 Price To Go Down Or Get It For Free Or Very Low Price, Warhawk Was The Most Expensive Game I Ever Bought $30, Best PS3 Exclusive Ever! And Other Than That I Don't Buy Games, Unless They Are Really Good, New And Cheap Like Less Than $20 On Craigslist

Oh And I Don't Go Bother To Buy Games In Game Store... Waster Of My Money, Nothing Good There Ever Happeneds

# RE: I Only By Ps3 Exclusives — The Kid 2011-11-07 15:05

I couldnt agree with you more

# RE: More than half of US gamers don't buy games — tosh.0 2011-11-07 13:05

Ugh, more BS "statistics" for people are argue over.

Serious people, any time you see the word "statistic" you should just immediately ignore it.

That 56% is someones INTERPRETATION of data they have looked at. Data, by the way, that only accounts for an extremely small percentage of people.

In other news, I went out on the streets and asked two people if they were gay. One said yes, the other said no. Therefore 50% OF THE WORLD IS GAY. Those are your statistics for today.

# Opinionated article anyone? — Wamphyri2b 2011-11-07 14:04

I completely agree. Just reading the title of this article lets you know your in for a hoot. Maybe a re-title as More than half of US gamers don't buy games BRAND NEW. The idea that over half of US gamers only pirate or borrow games from friends is utterly ridiculous. Buying used games is still buying games. No the developers don't profit from it, but how much of that $60 per game do you think they really see anyway. The ratio of cost to profit on most games for PS3 & 360 is close to 70% profit. Game console manufacturers take a loss on consoles because they can make it back on the first two games the consumer buys. That alone is why people buy have to used games. People should climb off their high horse and address the real problem. Corporate Greed!

# RE: Opinionated article anyone? — tosh.0 2011-11-07 18:28

Exactly. Pure proof of that is the Apple App Store. Brand new devs that have become millionaris over night from their 99cent+ games or even their free to play games.

# RE: More than half of US gamers don't buy games — PS360 Owner1 2011-11-07 14:41

1) That picture of GAME is in UK.

2) People in US buy shitload of games, Blu-rays, DVDs, and crap you'd never think of.

# RE: RE: More than half of US gamers don't buy games — xnamkcor 2011-11-07 20:00

Seeing as there are two shitloads of games blu-rays, DVDs and crap you'd never think of to buy, the math works out to 50%.

# RE: More than half of US gamers don't buy games — leo9891 2011-11-10 09:06

So how did Qj get this statistic without being in the US?

# I buy some games, but... — Little_Dragon 2011-11-13 16:05

I only buy new games. If I walk into a game store the first question i ask is "Is this game new or used?"

The reason for that: Used game stores keep all the profits and do not send a cent of the money earned on used games to publishers. If the publishers do not get a cent of the proceeds from a purchased game then I may as well pirate it and not hand my money over.

# RE: More than half of US gamers don't buy games — C 0 Run 2011-11-20 10:25

I want to put my 2 cents in. I am a Canadian, and i don't justify a game buy "used" "new" or "pirated". Is the game worth me putting down one of my other hundreds of great games? If i can classify a game as great then i buy it to add to the collection. now the other side of things, most games that were truly great are now old and unavailable. If i were able to get them in store i probably would. I think piracy wouldn't be so much of an issue if they spent time making great games instead of visually shiny, mediocre games. I am finding it excessively hard to go to the store and find something that's worth buying.

# Developers should offer trade-in rewards — Jmak01 2011-12-23 14:37

Developers should counteract the used game stores by making better deals and giving money off new games to people who trade in previous games. This will encourage new game sales and if the software is in good condition, the developer could perhaps resell the old software, or otherwise, recycle the disk into a new game and recondition the packaging.

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