In a recent interview Paradox Interactive CEO, Fredrik Wester discussed how the distribution of video games impacts creativity in the industry. According to Wester, retail outlets focus too much on pushing big-brand sequels, instead of encouraging the work of lesser known companies, hence why Paradox sticks mainly to its digital distributors, namely Steam and Gamersgate, and it has paid off:
This year we’re close to ninety percent of our revenue being digital. Retail sales are like a bonus for us now. We don’t really need retailers any more and that is a release because retailers have not been good for the industry. They’ve not been good for the creative part of the industry, for finding new cool games.
The entire Paradox Interactive collection is now available on Steam for a sum of £54.99, only a fraction of the original £532.45 package price.
Source: PC Gamer
bunimomike
Staggeringly good point. How hard would the high street push the likes of Flower, Limbo, Magicka, etc.? I don’t want the retailers to disappear but the current variety is great for creativity.
Jim H [Teabags]
Especially when PC digital games are constantly getting discounted too. I picked up Mount & Blade (marvelous game by the way) for £2 from D2D. Earlier that day I has spotted it in GAME for £19.99.
job
Woody Two-Legs: Attack of the Zombie Pirates looks interesting
MrSpeedyGonzales
I know it’s 90% off, but who really want 3 variations of ship simulator?
Foxhound
lol