How Much is that Video
William Shelstad, Ameer Hosein, Jessyca Derby | Graduate Researchers Weerachet Sinlapanuntakul | Undergraduate Researcher
William, Ameer, Weerachet, and Jessyca are students in the Research in User eXperience (RUX) Lab in the Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology. RUX investigates the usability and user experience of technology in our everyday world. This is a regular column that explores different technologies typically used by Embry-Riddle students. Recently, buying online has become the default, especially when purchasing video games. Video game players with consoles who want to buy a digital game typically go through their console's digital shop or buy a key through another retailer. PC players have several digital distribution platforms (e.g., Steam, Epic Store, Origin, Uplay) that they can purchase games from. Many websites sell digital keys for those various platforms. We wanted to get a greater understanding of where PC gamers are purchasing their digital games and what elements of an online store page inform their decision to buy a game. We then conducted interviews with PC gamers about their experience buying games using digital storefronts: Steam, Humble Bundle, and GoG due to their popularity, differing layouts, and features. Why Buy Online? All gamers had experience buying games online from various stores (e.g., Steam, Humble Bundle, Nintendo Store, Playstation Store, etc.). The convenience of buying online was one of the top reasons, along with some already having extensive online games collection. Moreover, most gamers mentioned that price and reviews from friends, other gamers, or publications influence their decision to purchase a game. Friends were the most influential for multiplayer video games. Some gamers who did browse games online noted that they would use the online stores’ recommendation feature if available to find games similar to the ones they already have. PC gamers wanted to see the gameplay’s images and videos highlighting the gameplay on the storefront side.
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Photo Courtesy/William Shelstad
Price should be easily noticeable, especially if there is a sale occurring. Gamers found reviews from other purchasers of the game helpful but not so much if it was a publication (but a link to them was fine). These are some expected features that can affect their decision when purchasing a game. Steam vs. Humble Bundle vs. GoG We conducted interviews conducted with PC gamers about their experience buying games using digital storefronts: Steam, Humble Bundle, and GoG due to their popularity, differing layouts, and features. Steam, introduced in 2003, is the longest-running digital distribution platform, is regarded as the most popular, and has a catalog of over 8,000 games. Humble Bundle is one of the latest digital distribution platforms, which started as a platform where gamers could only get games in a bundle. Gamers were not able to get games outside the limited-time bundles. The
Photo Courtesy/William Shelstad