Ultra, a complete PC gaming hub created by AAA talent from companies such as Ubisoft, Playstation and Nintendo, has released the findings of its Ultra PC Gamer study. The study reveals that 24% of all digital PC games in gamers’ libraries have never been played, while 58% of PC gamers would sell their digital titles if they could.
The survey of 2,000 PC gamers across the US and UK reveals a desire for more flexibility in how they purchase, trade, and sell their digital video games. The secondary game marketplace, which gained popularity in playgrounds and workplaces during the CD-ROM era, contrasts with today’s digital landscape, where purchased game licenses are tied to a single account and often cost upwards of $70.
Talking about the study, Nicolas Gilot, co-CEO, Ultra, said, “Our research has shown that whilst PC gaming is far from broken, there’s clear room for improvement. Ultra has long held the belief that a digital secondary game marketplace can not only tackle the backlogs in gamers’ libraries, but also help developers and publishers sell more games, and unlock new revenue streams and ways to engage their communities. In late 2023 Ultra launched the first ever truly tradable digital video game, showing how the status quo in digital content ownership can be redefined.”
This cost may explain why 75% of respondents find AAA games too expensive, and only 36% of all digital games are purchased at full price. However, this perspective changes when gamers are given the option to resell their games as 64% of respondents would buy more AAA games at full price if they had the option to resell them later.
The findings also highlight how digital games are often neglected by players. Alongside the 24% that go totally unplayed, less than half (44%) of digital PC games are played regularly. Additional insights from the report include data on discoverability, the influence of reviews, preferred storefronts, and attitudes toward earning digital items and money whilst playing.