More PS3 fans buy digital content than 360 gamers

[Kuro]

UK PS3 owners are more willing to pay for digital content than Xbox gamers.

That’s according to the latest figures from Kantar Worldpanel. The data specialist revealed that in the UK, 8m people bought a digital film, TV show or game in the past year.

The firm says that 17 per cent of PS3 gamers have paid for digital content over the past year, compared with 11 per cent of Xbox 360 gamers.

It added that just over 1m people in the UK paid for a digital game, while a further half a million bought DLC.

“Although the digital market is growing, consumers are at present choosing to engage with both physical and digital content, rather than switching from one format to the other,” said Kantar Worldpanel consumer insight manager Fiona Keenan.

“As this behaviour continues, it’s important that retailers offer a complete entertainment package to meet the needs of their consumers.”

The firm also revealed that one in seven of UK consumers now own a tablet, with over 52 per cent of the population owning a smartphone. 44.4 per cent of mobile users now use their phones for gaming

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/more-...-gamers/098679

[Blacksite]

I really do hope consumers continue to support both physical and digital content instead of simply choosing one over the other. Some of the stuff I'm hearing about next-gen consoles with no optical disc drives and whatnot make me a bit hesitant with the future of video games.

[Fenix]

I buy mostly physical games, I only buy digital when the price is good ($10, in some cases I'll stretch it to $20 but thats rare) and when its insanely cheaper to do so. (Contemplating two worlds 2, just the game on disk is $20 and the dlc is $50+ where as PSN version is $35 for all of it)

If next gen = no physical games, count me out.

[radgamer420]

PS3 fans in the UK apparently. I'm sure in the US its a different story if even for no other reason than the 360 having a much larger userbase in NA. But if the userbase in the UK is fairly equal than this statement could very well be true. Maybe more PS3 gamers are becoming PS+ members and downloading all the free and discounted games.

[mickice]

Yeah, PS+ is good, but like all digital stores you have no control over storing and keeping content forever.

[AaronSOLDIER]

No doubt thanks to PS+, as for me, if I'm given the choice then I'll choose digital, no problem getting the disc if that's the only option though.

[mickice]

No doubt thanks to PS+, as for me, if I'm given the choice then I'll choose digital, no problem getting the disc if that's the only option though.

And companies have no problems shutting down your servers with your games.

[AaronSOLDIER]

If I keep them on my drives, I don't need those servers.

[flareon64]

psn has a better more organized store then the xbox live marketplace.plus we got better exclusives.i've been getting a lot more digital stuff lately.for the great prices on certain things.like assassins creed 2 deluxe edition.

[itachi73378]

I'm starting to move away for physical copies. The last five games I bought were digital

[Kuro]

I've been buying a bit more DD's lately too. Especially for my vita. But I still prefer physical copies.

[MacP]

I would like to know the user base compared to Xbox 360 and PS3 in the UK.

[AaronSOLDIER]

I think Sony's latest PS+ move to include full PS3 games rather than PS1 Classics and minis is their way of encouraging more digital sales. Many games that people will play will still be on their HDD after their sub runs out and may simply buy it, the only problem is PSN prices, especially from 3rd party publishers, are ridiculous.

[hood]

It's because they don't have to pay to play online. It would be interesting to see a broader comparison though.

[F34R]

It's because they don't have to pay to play online. It would be interesting to see a broader comparison though.

That's just a skeptical reason you've used. Where did you come up with that?

[radgamer420]

It's because they don't have to pay to play online. It would be interesting to see a broader comparison though.

And you know this how?? I still say its due to PS+ subscribers downloading the free and discounted games as more people sign up for it.

[itachi73378]

I think Sony's latest PS+ move to include full PS3 games rather than PS1 Classics and minis is their way of encouraging more digital sales. Many games that people will play will still be on their HDD after their sub runs out and may simply buy it, the only problem is PSN prices, especially from 3rd party publishers, are ridiculous.

there is evidence to suggest Sony may be going full on DD. Sony has released all vita games day one I believe on the PSN. I'd like to see this continue. Also, PSN need more 50% off discounts. They have recently started to become a little more frequent. Sony need to keep it up and offer more discount to attract new PS+ subscribers

[mynd]

Meh, "research".

There are more 360 in UK than PS3's.

So the point of research would probably point to ...well nothing....save that most people don't DD.

[gangsta_795]

Physical content can never be replaced by digital content. Companies like EA trying to go full-digital will go on to regret their decisions.

[AaronSOLDIER]

there is evidence to suggest Sony may be going full on DD. Sony has released all vita games day one I believe on the PSN. I'd like to see this continue. Also, PSN need more 50% off discounts. They have recently started to become a little more frequent. Sony need to keep it up and offer more discount to attract new PS+ subscribers

Yeah its good that they're doing that with Vita, they've clearly made it a requirement, whereas PS3 and PSP games are optional for developers.

Physical content can never be replaced by digital content. Companies like EA trying to go full-digital will go on to regret their decisions.

It will eventually, its inevitable.

[gangsta_795]

It will eventually, its inevitable.

Maybe. But certainly not in the next 2-3 generations.

[itachi73378]

I just feel that DD is more user friendly. I dont have to go to the game store, I don't have to bother taking great care of my discs, I don't have to worry if I lose them. I can have my entire collection on HDD.

The only down side is the excessive storage capacity needed

HOWEVER, the satisfaction of a physical copy in your hands is far greater

[gangsta_795]

Another downside is slow internet connections in third-world countries.

[RaY_210]

I prefer physical copies of games. The only time I download is for the smaller indie type games, and of course classic/virtual console games. But full retail releases: it's always store bought.

[AaronSOLDIER]

Maybe. But certainly not in the next 2-3 generations.

Actually I think it'll be the generation after next (if there even is one), PC has pretty much already gotten most of its customers buying through Steam.