DVD Is Driving The Sale Of 'New Generation' Games Consoles

The new generation of internet-connected games consoles are speeding convergence of home entertainment. The MORI e-Entertainment survey shows that the strongest reason among consumers for purchasing internet-connected games consoles would be the ability to play DVDs via the console - 57% of those who expect to buy an internet-connect games console. Furthermore, 30% of those able to watch DVDs via their PC would consider purchasing a games console in order to watch DVDs on their TV.

"Digital technology is increasing consumers' expectations that all home entertainment technologies will be compatible. New generation games consoles will overcome the limitations of the video recorder and home computer without needing to purchase expensive equipment." comments Robert Cumming, MORI's e-Gaming Expert.

However, the main advertising messages for purchasing a new generation games console are the ability to access the internet without a PC and the ability to play games with players all over the world.

In total, 40% of UK households own either a video-, hand-held- or internet-connected games console. This increases to 68% of households with children under 15. Five percent of UK households have purchased a Sega Dreamcast since its well-publicised launch last year. This is only marginally less than the percentage who own a DVD player (as a separate unit or as part of a PC), which has been widely heralded as one of the leading developments in home entertainment.

There are, however, worries that the games console market may already be saturated, reflected in the cut in Dreamcast's own sales forecasts. These worries are supported by the survey which found that only 3% of GB households (rising only to 4% among households with children under 15) expect to purchase an internet-connected games console in the next 12 months. Perhaps more encouragingly, 7% of those already owning a conventional video games console envisage upgrading in the next year. The cost of internet connection dissuades consumers more than the cost of new games consoles.

The purchase of games software via the internet is growing rapidly. Already, 6% of gamers (including PC gamers) have bought or rented games software via the internet. However, 19% expect to buy or rent games via the internet in the next 12 months.

These results are part of a quarterly tracking study of the impact of new media on the entertainment industry run by MORI Technology (the new media and IT research division of MORI).

Technical details

Research carried out with a representative sample of 2,072 members of the GB population across 156 sample points during 3-7 February 2000.