Activision Blizzard, one of the largest video game publishers in the world, has announced that their revenue from PC gaming has surpassed that of consoles for the first time in the company’s history. This shift highlights the growing importance of PC gaming and raises questions about the future of console gaming.
In the second quarter of 2021, Activision Blizzard’s PC gaming revenue reached $1.39 billion, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. In contrast, console gaming revenue fell by 2% to $1.38 billion. This marks a significant shift in the company’s revenue streams, as consoles have traditionally been the primary source of revenue for major video game publishers.
Activision Blizzard’s success in the PC gaming market can be attributed to a few key factors. Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in demand for PC gaming, as more people are spending time at home. Additionally, the rise of esports has helped to boost the popularity of PC gaming, as many esports tournaments and competitions are played on PC.
Another factor is the growing importance of digital distribution platforms like Steam and Battle.net. These platforms offer publishers a direct line to consumers, allowing them to bypass traditional retailers and take a larger share of the revenue. Activision Blizzard has been particularly successful on Battle.net, which is their own digital distribution platform.
Activision Blizzard’s success in the PC gaming market raises questions about the future of console gaming. While consoles have traditionally been the primary source of revenue for video game publishers, the rise of PC gaming and digital distribution platforms could lead to a shift in the industry. Some analysts have speculated that consoles could eventually become obsolete, as more people turn to PC gaming for their gaming needs.
However, it’s important to note that consoles still have a large and loyal fanbase, and there are many games that are exclusive to consoles. Additionally, consoles offer a more
