Video Games need to evolve Publishing Systems

Video games need to evolve their publishing methods, already other industries have changed, but for the most part Video Games are stuck in the stone ages. Yes we are seeing digital distribution on the rise for the most part, but it’s not been embraced as much as possible, especially when the idea of a physical copy is still a strong contender in swaying purchases.

One such industry which has made waves changing the way their products are published is the emergence over the years of on demand publishing for books. While digital distribution has been catching on this hasn’t really affected physical media for video games yet.

On demand publishing for books has been applied for the most part to self-published books, however this approach could increase the life span of consoles by allowing continued publication of older titles. Which means as well that older games will have increased value because of the on demand method been applied to the production.

This on demand logic already exists across other industries and the video game industry in the form of digital distribution. However it hasn’t expanded outside of self-published books to expand industry momentum in other areas. The video game industry could benefit from this method of publishing as the retail sector becomes less viable and margins tighter.

This model however would work with more central on demand supplier in the following example. Picture this your shopping online and you can’t find a game anywhere, it’s out of print and anyone which does have it are dodgy websites or preowned titles. Without on demand publishing as a backup supplier, many games which would get extra sales are lost to pricy or not even considered further by the gamer. As they can’t obtain the title, the title is essentially lost especially when digital distribution for many older titles and retail games (bar PC) is minimal even by the companies who push those services the most.

In a world which there are on demand suppliers as a backup purchase option, gamers can obtain games which are no longer in print. While no longer in print sounds like “old generations”, it can also mean “current generation titles” with many new titles unless they are dudebro shooters ending up no longer published a short time after they are initially published. This system will allow gamers to obtain those titles, as well as even resent titles on demand, it will also allow prices to be more efficiently slimed down while at the same time limiting the need for excessive discounts for on demand purchases. If a title covers the manufacturing costs as well as a reasonable percentage to developers and publishers etc. The system would appeal to gamers as a viable way to obtain games. It also combats other legal and illegal avenues for published games.