Elastic Path Study Forecasts Major Increase in Consumer Spending on Digital Game Downloads

Research paper provides key recommendations to capitalize on evolution in game buying preferences

Vancouver, BC, Canada, August 29, 2011 -- Elastic Path Software, provider of the industry’s most flexible enterprise ecommerce platform, has published a new research paper entitled, “The State of PC Gaming 2011: The Shift from Packaged Goods to Digital Distribution.” Elastic Path focuses on helping global enterprises in the digital goods and services industry—including gaming, software and publishing—innovate and grow.

The research paper reveals key consumer behaviors and attitudes towards PC game buying in North America:

• PC and Mac gamers’ playing habits across their multiple devices
• Consumer spending on games and downloadable content
• Shopper attitudes on various purchasing models
• Key purchase influencers

The paper also discusses new business models for the video game industry as it shifts from boxed games to digital distribution. Elastic Path offers several key recommendations to maintain industry growth in this emerging reality:

• The largest magazine media company in the US
• Drop the barrier to entry for consumers by offering low-cost, flexible ownership and access options
• Produce a steady stream of downloadable content and embed its distribution deep within the game title
• Expand major franchises to mobile platforms, enabling gamers to interact with them anytime, anywhere
• Build personalized, compelling relationships with game owners

“Our study indicates that the PC gaming industry is undergoing a revolution,” says Amanda Dhalla, ecommerce consultant at Elastic Path. “As sales of digitally distributed titles surpass physical purchases, the publishers and retailers that win will be those who understand that this is not just a change in how software is sold, but a fundamental shift in how consumers want to find, own and play their games.”

About Elastic Path Software
Elastic Path provides the industry's most flexible enterprise ecommerce platform and strategic ecommerce consulting to firms in the digital goods and services ecosystem. Major global brands such as Google, Time Inc, and Virgin Media rely on Elastic Path to innovate and grow. Web: http://www.elasticpath.com. Blog: www.getelastic.com. Twitter: www.twitter.com/elasticpath