Fans of video games, do not abandon them, even in a crisis

Even with declining consumer activity and a global economic recession, manufacturers of video games are not waiting for a strong reduction in profits in the industry, annual sales is about 30 billion dollars.

It is estimated the Executive President of Take Two Strauss Zelnika, video games (which, incidentally, can cost more than U.S. $ 50) will remain in demand even in a crisis, as during the holidays, consumers will look for cheaper ways of entertainment.

However, despite the optimism of the industry, we have to admit that the recession the world economy still led to a decline in sales in this sector. Thus, the decline in consumer activity, according to research company NPD, in April 2009. was 17%. However, provided that the creation of video games are sometimes more expensive than a Hollywood movie, video game producers facing difficult choices.

In this regard, the leading video game developers such as Electronic Arts, Activision and THQ, have decided to change strategy and to focus only on a few key points. In particular, to invest solely in the development of the most popular video games, lowering the overall cost of production, as well as guided solely to increase the audience.

After a wave of forced to reduce costs through massive layoffs and the elimination of the studios, many producers now prefer to build and advance the hit games. At the same time, the cost of more risky and less profitable projects are gradually declining. “This year we have reduced our budget by 120 million. Since then, we focused on creating multiple hit games,” – said General Director of THQ, Brian Ferrell.

Some manufacturers also look forward to create more mass and a new audience that will include more women and older people. The General-Director of Electronic Arts – John Richitello believes, that the number of people playing video games may soon rise from the current several hundred million to one billion. In think so, the key point in expanding the audience is not so much the creation of games designed for traditional users, but rather the creation of games for people who play for the first time or from time to time. An example of such expansion is the extraordinary popularity of technology and Wii fitness game Wii Fit from Nintendo, feel market players.

In addition, the creators of video games waiting for the sharp growth in sales after the manufacturers of gaming consoles such as Sony and Microsoft, will lower prices. According to estimates of most analysts, this could happen already this year. “We like the price war. If one company to cut prices – manufacturer of consoles, would depress prices and its competitors. And yet they will fight, we will provide them with ammunition, a videogame,” – jokes B. Farrell.