NotCliche

Artwork by: 中篠 @ Pivix.

PC Games of today are usually offered in two different methods: either you buy a copy off the internet and download it into your computer, or you can always take a walk down to the nearest game shop and buy a copy of the game. While many are satisfied with walking down and holding the game physically, Russian publisher 1C Games begs to differ.

According to the publisher, they believe that digital distribution is the way to go in the near future, and the reason why game boxes can’t make the mark anymore is simply because of the retail shop’s faults.

International publishing director of 1C Games, Darry Still, says that retailers aren’t supporting the game as they should. No promotions, information and even listing for any of the PC game boxes in a retail shop and that’s exactly why PC gaming is slowly dying.

“If PC games manage to get listed at retail, then they’re rarely getting any exposure because they’re appearing at the back of the store.”

“There is still demand, but retail is forcing PC games out. Digital is fantastic, and we’re very pleased with it. But it is not us as the developers and publishers driving products to digital – it is because the options for the PC at retail are so limited.”

However, once digital distribution comes in, game developers and publishers could advertise the game as much as they want, without the need of having a third-party retailer to help them manage the sales. This means that the developers and publishers could bring their games out to the general public in a variety of methods than retailers can.

Still says that he believes PC games will more or less go fully digital by 2011, and 50% of the PC games that are sold will be via digital distribution by 2013. Pretty bold thing to say, but as much as we like to hold some of the goodies that comes in a physical copy, there’s no reason not to miss a 75% discount sales on games when it comes on Steam, right?

Via: MCV.

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