The data does not however, take into account the rise in digital sales that may offset the decline.
Games are readily available for digital download through Xbox Live or EA's own Origin where you can play demos on-the-fly without downloading anything.
Gamestop warned investors with a statement that it expects to report a 12.5% drop in same-store sales. It's important to keep in mind that gamers are buying on the secondary market as well (e.g. Amazon) rather than purchasing games new, and with RedBox locations also having game renting kiosks at many of it's locations there is less overall demand to purchase games.
One of the biggest factors not realized is that a console refresh is badly needed for the industry. We're still running games on technology from 7 years ago, which is also why console sales are probably down. Recently, Microsoft announced a Xbox 360 Bundle with Kinect for $99. Sony and Microsoft need to release the PS4 and the next Xbox soon, doing so would help charge a market in limbo. Details have been leaked about the new Xbox but so far it's mostly speculation, specifications can easily change this early on in the process. New consoles are expected by the end of 2013 or 2014.
Are you looking forward to a Playstation 4 and the next Xbox? Do you buy games anymore? Leave a comment...
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