PC Retail Is Dead

Curt Schilling of 38 Studios (they of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and Project Copernicus) has been interviewed by Ten Ton Hammer to get his thoughts on the future of PC retail. Long and short of it: it’s as good as dead.

(The only experience worse than having to physically go somewhere to get a game is having to wait a day and a half for that game to download,) says Schilling. (Don’t get me started on the game that makes me drive somewhere to buy it and then wait 6 hours while it patches!)

Nearly every gamer who’s purchased a digital copy of a MMOG has experienced the dreaded 6 hour (or longer) download, usually followed by a hefty patch. That element of digital sales alone can make the idea of driving to a store to pick up a physical box, or ordering one online and hoping that it’s delivered on launch day, a more tempting option.

Where to download is the next question gamers face. Options for MMO gamers usually include, at the very least, the game’s official site, Steam and Direct2Drive. Which option provides the best experience and the least bandwidth bottleneck is a subject of much debate in gaming circles.

(There are far too many digital download ‘˜services’ right now and it’s mucking up the landscape,) says Schilling. (Someone will get smart and start consolidating power in this market and whomever notices first will jump start this race. That will likely be followed by companies realizing the need to create a better guest experience for the downloading process.)