Ultra releases an illuminating survey delving into the PC gaming industry, shedding light on promising opportunities for growth and transformation.
This in-depth research, capturing insights from the gaming behaviors of 2,000 PC enthusiasts across the US and UK, provides a profound look into the ever-evolving digital gaming arena, laying the groundwork for ground-breaking solutions. At Ultra, we proudly stand at the forefront of crafting these transformative solutions.
In December, we announced that we’d be releasing a research paper diving into the current trends in PC gaming, and how gamers feel about their experience regarding game ownership, acquiring games, and gaming in general. We briefly touched on some key metrics and how Ultra is creating a solution to several pain points, and now we’re excited to release the full research paper for everyone to read.
This paper highlights the potential shortfalls of PC gaming right now, as well as presents potential solutions to them, through Ultra’s gaming ecosystem.
Below we have summarized some of the key findings of the study. If you’d like to dive straight into the full details, you can access the paper here.
Here are some eye-catching findings from the study:
- Nearly 60% of gamers would make use of a marketplace where they can sell their digital games from their library
- Less than half (44%) of the digital PC games in gamers’ libraries are played on a regular basis; almost a quarter (24%) have never been played at all
- 75% find AAA titles too expensive. 87% said discounts and sales are important in their purchasing decisions, with only 36% of their games bought at full price
- 75% of respondents buy digital indie games, with 33% liking the lower price point of indie games
- Almost half (46%) of gamers express excitement at the prospect of their favorite PC game incorporating blockchain or web3 technology
- 36% of respondents say it is difficult to find new games to play. 38% look to YouTube to find new games, while 34% rely on their friends
- A significant 68% of respondents have engaged in in-game purchases, highlighting a widespread engagement with additional content within games
The Call for a Secondary Games Marketplace
58% of PC gamers from the study would make use of a marketplace to sell digital games from their library. A whopping 64% of respondents would be more open to buying more AAA titles if they had the option to resell these titles.
This is a key driver towards Ultra’s vision as we’ve successfully implemented the tradable games feature. On Ultra, players will be able to trade their digital games with other Ultra users — a first for the PC gaming industry.
Dormant Digital Libraries
Regular gameplay is reported for less than half (44%) of the digital PC games in gamers’ libraries, with an alarming quarter (24%) remaining untouched.
With Ultra’s tradable game feature, players can bring life to dormant games by reselling them on Ultra’s secondary marketplace. This not only offers a solution to unused games but also introduces a dynamic marketplace for pre-owned games.
Pricing Predicament: Empowering Gamers’ Choices
75% find AAA titles too expensive. 87% said discounts and sales are important in their purchasing decisions, with only 36% of their games bought at full price. 32% are free-to-play, while 32% are discounted or bundled.
Ultra empowers gamers by introducing tradability. The option to resell AAA games opens the door for more full-price purchases, providing flexibility and addressing the pricing concerns expressed by the majority.
Embracing the Concept Of Web3
Almost half (46%) of gamers express excitement at the prospect of their favorite PC game incorporating blockchain or web3 technology. Meanwhile, 43% remain neutral, and 11% would find such integration annoying.
Among platforms with blockchain features or best-known for web3 games, awareness of Ultra Games (17%) is highest. As one of the most recognized gaming platforms in web3, Ultra is well-positioned to provide a suitable application for gamers looking to try out games integrating with blockchain elements.
Crypto Complexities: Addressing Concerns
While there is evident enthusiasm for earning in-game currency (34%) and real money (33%) during gameplay, the interest in earning cryptocurrency is notably lower, standing at 18%. Similarly, when these virtual items are framed as NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), the interest in acquiring limited edition items experiences a decline from 33% to 19%. This suggests a nuanced perspective among PC gamers regarding the forms of rewards or earnings they find appealing within the gaming ecosystem.
Ultra acknowledges varying preferences by creating a seamless ecosystem that embraces the benefits of both traditional in-game currencies and cryptocurrencies. Ultra envisions an application that seamlessly integrates the familiar experience of traditional gaming while harnessing the capabilities and benefits offered by blockchain technology.
Indie Gaming Landscape: Supporting the Next Big Thing
75% of participants engage in the purchase of digital indie games, with 33% appreciating the more affordable price point of indie titles. Additional motivations for buying indie games include their creative aspects (40%) and the desire to explore something new (39%).
Ultra provides an ecosystem for developers to grow their games through a wide range of tools and applications to engage their communities like never before. With new indie games taking off all the time these days, we feel it’s crucial to provide a platform for indie developers to showcase their games and thrive.
Game Discoverability: Guiding the Way
A total of 36% of survey participants express challenges in discovering new games to play. Among the various discovery channels, 38% turn to YouTube, 34% depend on recommendations from friends, 18% utilize Steam for game exploration, and 13% identify the Epic Games Store as their preferred platform for discovering new titles.
Through the Ultra ecosystem, including the Uniq Marketplace and Ultra Arena, discoverability is enhanced. Ultra provides a holistic platform where gamers can explore, trade, and engage with a diverse range of games. This not only provides players with new game options, but also the opportunity for game developers to expand their player base.
Store Preferences: Elevating the Experience
In the realm of PC gaming stores, Steam continues to dominate as the most popular storefront, outshining Epic Games in terms of preferred features. Respondents express a desire for a streamlined experience, with 35% indicating a preference for a single profile that connects all their games, apps, and sites, emphasizing the importance of cohesion and convenience in the gaming ecosystem.
As one of most recognized web3 gaming platforms, Ultra enriches the gaming experience by offering unique features like tradable games, an all-in-one ecosystem, and new ways for players to engage in games. This adds layers to the gaming experience beyond what traditional storefronts provide.
Digital Economy: Enabling Value Creation
A significant 68% of respondents have engaged in in-game purchases, highlighting a widespread engagement with additional content within games. Furthermore, 26% of PC gamers express a keen interest in acquiring limited edition or unique in-game items, showcasing a demand for exclusive and distinctive virtual offerings.
Ultra’s Uniq Marketplace aims to embrace the value of in-game digital content, providing a platform where players can trade their digital items easily and with no transaction fees.
Download the Full Report
For a deeper dive into the trends shaping the future of PC gaming, download the full Ultra PC Gamer Survey here.