EA expects sales from digital downloads will overtake store bought games within a few years. EA intends to expand their range of downloadable games available.
In an interview with Reuters EA Chief operating officer Peter Moore said, “There will come a point, whether it is two or three years from now, when we say: ‘We are doing more in digital media now than we are in physical media’.”
EA have expressed that they will be doing more in digital media compared to physical media in the coming years and has will produce many more social mobile and free to play games this financial year.
There has been a huge increase in registered users of EA’s digital distribution platform throughout the year, jumping from 11 million to 21 million in just a couple of months.
Researchers at NPD Group have estimated that U.S. sales of boxed games dropped 20% in July to $548 million and money spent on mobile apps and social network games was estimated at $439 million.
EA’s attempt to invest in online gaming and move away from big budget packaged games may seem like the smart thing to do but investor response to the change may not be strong, considering EA’s share price has dropped over the last year.
In spite of this Moore is confident things are getting better, “Investors are starting to understand our strategy, are starting to see light at the end of tunnel, starting to see growth rates in the areas we have invested in and in the industry as a whole starting to attract attention again.”
Moore also told Reuters the company would not neglect the customers who prefer more traditional boxed games.
“We will never abandon physical media. As long as the consumer wants to buy something on a disc, we will be there to offer it,” he said.
