They may not be sold near a checkout stand, but video games sales are growing in Canada because more and more Canadians are buying them on a whim, according to a recent NPD study.
According to an article in the Finanacial Post, 40% of Canadians who purchased a video game said they did so on impulse within the last six months. However, while they have been buying games, the average cost of the games they are buying has dropped almost $15, from $42.97 for a planned purchase to $27.19 for a spontaneous one. Used games were the biggest winner, although online purchases of dowloadable content were not tracked.
According to the article:
"Clearly gamers are becoming much less reluctant to spend on games," said Matthew Tattle, group manager for The NPD Group. "One would think it is a little unusual to see impulse purchases during a recession but it's clear that hardcore gamers will find a way to satisfy their need for something new, different and enjoyable."
How about you ... Are games an impulse buy or a set item in your budget?
Comments
Re: Games Becoming Impulse Buys in Canada
A few days, I bought a used copy of Jusitc league Heroes for PS2 largely on impulse. And I'm Canadian.
I also bought the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen DLC from the Playstation Store largely on impulse.
Re: Games Becoming Impulse Buys in Canada
I've bought two games on impulse (ie: after playing the demo and not waiting for reviews):
Evolva and eight years or so later, Spore.
Both times I've regretted that decision.
Re: Games Becoming Impulse Buys in Canada
I have mostly been able to buy my Videogames in a planned list.
First I take note of what games are coming out, I then take a look at my budget, I then estimate how likely it is going to be coming out either in a certain year or on a certain month.
Sometimes it is annoying how a game you wanted is delayed or unexpectedly canned. Or is been given an AO18+ rating as it has happened in a few rare occasions (more likely happens in Australia because of the lack of an R18+ rating for videogames)
There is also an issue of a number of games from Japan that when you hear about them, you wanted to buy them but they never get released outside of Japan or even into Europe. (As an Australian I rely on games being released in Europe first.)
The only occasion when I impulse buy is when I see a game I was half hearted about (as in I would like to get it if it was not being sold at a high price) being sold for 30$ or 20$ in Australian Dollars.
Other than that, I rarely buy on impulse except for special occasions when I have the money to spare. And if I don't like the game and I don't want it anymore then I trade it in.
Re: Games Becoming Impulse Buys in Canada
Most of my game purchases nowadays are planned. My next game on my list is 'GTA4: The Balad of Gay Tony.' But I had planned it since it was announced. I haven't even finished 'The Lost and Damned' yet.
But when I did impulse buys, it was used and not more than $14.00.
- Warren
Re: Games Becoming Impulse Buys in Canada
Impulse buying is something every retail store has to keep in mind. I run an adult toy store. When we get something in that has possibly joke nature, we have to decide how we're going to price it. Sometimes a difference of $2 can make the difference on how a person percieves the item. Sometimes we can sell a LOT more of an item dropping it just that $2
Re: Games Becoming Impulse Buys in Canada
While the games I buy aren't really on impulse, per se, I have a stack of games at home that I haven't even fired up because of lack of time. I just finished Halo 3 (!!) and Mass Effect (!!) and am looking to move onto Fallout 3 or (sigh) Gears of War so i can play that copy of Gears of War 2 that is collecting dust.
Time is the hardest thing to find to play anymore. Ahhh, to be young again, when playing Metroid for 12 hours at a go wasn't a big deal.
Re: Games Becoming Impulse Buys in Canada
I buy my games mostly on impulse buys...
If they are cheaper than 20 USD (otherwise I don't buy them at all).
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Re: Games Becoming Impulse Buys in Canada