Ultra, a PC gaming hub formed by talent from major companies like Ubisoft and Nintendo, has conducted a study revealing insights into gamers’ behaviors and preferences. The survey, which included 2,000 PC gamers from the US and UK, found that 24% of digital PC games in players’ libraries have never been played, and 58% of gamers would be interested in selling their digital titles if given the option.
One of the main desires expressed by respondents is for more flexibility in purchasing, trading, and selling digital video games. Unlike the CD-ROM era, where secondary game marketplaces were popular, today’s digital landscape ties game licenses to single accounts, often at high prices. This cost factor contributes to 75% of respondents finding AAA games too expensive, with only 36% purchasing games at full price. However, when given the option to resell games later, 64% of respondents expressed willingness to buy more AAA titles at full price.
The study also sheds light on the neglect digital games face, with less than half (44%) of games played regularly, and nearly a quarter (24%) never played at all. Key findings also include insights into indie game purchases and discoverability, as well as preferences for PC storefronts and the digital economy.
Nicolas Gilot, Co-CEO at Ultra, emphasized the importance of redefining the digital content ownership status quo. Ultra has been advocating for a secondary game marketplace in digital form since 2017 and launched the world’s first tradable digital video game, “Josh Journey: Darkness Totems,” in December 2023. This move aims to address gamers’ backlogs, help developers and publishers sell more games, and unlock new revenue streams.
Overall, the study highlights the potential for improvement in the PC gaming industry, with opportunities to enhance the gaming experience and create new avenues for player engagement.