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In the second question and answer session with the digital distribution giants, we sit down with Gamersgate to get their views on the industry they’re so heavily based in. We’d like to thank Theodore Berquist and Susana Meza for our answering our questions and queries. Please visit http://www.gamersgate.com/ if you are interested in the service. Now onto the questions!
Avid Gamer: Do you believe digital distribution is key to stemming the flow of piracy? Theo: First and foremost we’re trying to deliver a gaming experience that is so convenient that gamers choose Gamersgate over any underground file sharing network where they risk viruses and other obstacles. When we can offer gamers new patches, add-ons, connect them with other gamers etc – directly through our downloader without them having to do anything extra - then I believe most gamers will go for that. It’s really up to us to convince them about the superiority of Gamersgate. Most people are willing to pay for good service.
What puts you apart from other services in the market? Theo: Our ambition is to be an all-inclusive download service for gamers. That includes helping them find the games they want by constantly expanding our catalogue of titles and connecting them with other gamers to share experiences. We also want to make it easy to buy and download games, and I think we’ve managed to do that. With "user reviews", "wish list" etc we're introducing small features that expands the experience. If that differs from the others or not, I leave up to the gamers to decide. The massive growth last year could be seen as an indication that they like what we do.
Congratulations on the acquisition of the THQ’s catalogue, what’s next for Gamersgate? Theo: Thanks! The release of our next generation downloader/gateway is next. We have planned for a March release and will premiere a lot of new features. While our ambition is to have a large back catalogue of titles we’re constantly adding new titles. With THQ, Atari, Vivendi, Eidos and more than 30 other publishers on board we have a solid ground to expand from.
Obviously you feel that downloadable games and content is a stable business idea and not a passing fad but do you feel that downloadable content will ever replace boxed games completely? Theo: Eventually yes. There are no economic incentives to print a box if games can be distributed on-line, and basically that’s what drives it. By tying the games with additional services and communities there is really no need for a boxed product. When we can offer 10.000 products and a physical store only the top 10, I’m convinced that 9 out of 10 gamers will choose the online option for a wider selection. Anytime, anywhere...kind of. However I believe that the physical stores will have a role to play even here. Gamersgate will shortly release some news regarding a retail link, so stay tuned.
What’s the most popular genre, or title even on the website? Theo: We generally don’t comment on single titles; however strategy games are the best selling genre on Gamersgate.
What’s your favourite game? Theo: I really like the good old Majesty game. Recently I played The Witcher, and as an old pen-and-paper RPG nerd I must say I like it too. A game I really am looking forward to is Age of Conan and I’m thrilled that we got confirmation yesterday that we will be able to offer that one on Gamersgate.
What high profile games are we going to see next? Theo: Most of them! Named by several sites as “Steams biggest rival” we can never lie down and rest. We want to be able to offer the games that gamers want. Regardless if it’s ten years old or one of the latest top hits.
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