Yes, you read that right. Even though developers seem to believe that it's "not worth" bothering to localize games for Europe, it might stun the industry to know that Europe is actually a larger consumer of videogames than the United States!
The PAL region is now the second-largest gaming territory in the world, only slightly below Asia but above the USA. Last year, Europe generated €7.3bn for the games industry. Even more interestingly, across the continent it has been revealed that some 81% of parents actually game with their children, while the average age of gamers in the United Kingdom is 33.
Nielsen Games' "Videogamers in Europe 2008" study has shown that gaming beats out other forms of entertainment, with 72% of those polled finding videogames fun compared to the 68% who said the same of television and cinema. The study is also an interesting victory for Europe's PEGI system, as it was revealed that 93% of people understood the ratings.
While studies aren't always reliable, money is, and with it coming out that Europe generates this much cash for the industry, why are we given such a royal shafting? Sony has already revealed that some developers think Europe is a waste of time and effort, while €7.3bn seems to prove them wrong. Europe is now a larger market than America -- though maybe that's because we're expected to pay twice as much. Either way, I think this is something developers should think about the next time they think Europe isn't worth a localization.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
12:33 PM on 05.28.2008
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...sometimes.
This is not news EPIC FAIL
10/10
Exactly, well, not really since you don't pay twice as much but about 60% more. The question I have is how much of that price gouging goes back to the developers?
Also does this mean the PS3 won the console war? :P
Although, that's probably do to the weak dollar.
Euro still has no brawl? oh uh...
Next, America gets the 6 month shaft.
there are too many damned languages in Europe and southern Europe
*Standing ovation*
*Runs to bathroom*
*cries in shame*
I had no idea that the PAL region is bigger in sales than the states. Interesting.
05/28/2008 13:30
BEEG EUROPEAN TEETEESS!!!!
ROTFLMFAO XD
also, Europe is Sony Territory.
Once you have one single language, one law, and one government. Give me a hollar back about how much better Europe is than another country.
By which I mean release the English translation of games in the English-speaking countries and let the filthy foreign types wait for their respective language translations. It's so simple it could be science.
Oh look at them sitting around there crappy little pal format T.v's there So cute to think that they are important!
The day the PAL market is recognised as a larger more important market than the NTSC market is the day I chop my willy off and eat it. In other words, it ain't gonna happen.