Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

Dallas Morning News

Blockbuster adds video games to by-mail subscription program

The number of game console owners who are spending money on a monthly basis to download games jumped to 29 percent this year from 8 percent in 2008, according to consumer research from Dallas-based Parks Associates. The percentage of game consoles connected to the Internet also took a substantial leap, rising to 51 percent this year from 33 percent in 2008.

Broadband connectivity has served as a "game changer" for the gaming industry, said Pietro Macchiarella, research analyst at the firm. Although retail sales still account for the majority of gaming industry revenue, other casual games such as FarmVille on Facebook, online console gaming, games on demand and download portals are moving the industry toward digital distribution.

From the article, "Blockbuster adds video games to by-mail subscription program" by Maria Halkias

Previously In The News

Companies have new focus on managing consumers’ electricity usage

“Today there are 1.9 million homes with energy management networks” nationwide, said Bill Ablondi of Parks Associates, a Dallas market research company. “We are entering a period of pervasive growth...

At Consumer Electronics Show, spotlight will shine on tablets

With Apple widely believed to have sold more than 10 million iPads through the holiday quarter, other companies are now simply battling for second place. "The race is on to cut into Apple's hug...

Verizon, other wireless carriers vary on standards for high-speed 4G service

No wireless company in the world is close to offering that sort of performance, but that hasn't stopped carriers from branding their next-gen networks as 4G. "The carriers won't backtrack on their...

Fox, Dish settle dispute, but Channel 8 may feel pinch next

In July, Dallas-based AT&T reached a last-minute deal with Rainbow Media to continue carrying AMC and other Rainbow channels. "The problem is, it's not going to stop after this year," said Kurt Sc...