How Do PC Gamers Feel? Ultra’s PC Gamer Survey Sheds Light on Trends and Concerns

Steve Raath
Ultra
Published in
4 min readDec 6, 2023

Ultra and Atomik Research conducted a revealing survey about the PC gaming industry, showcasing the potential for growth and change.

In a revealing study, Ultra conducted with Atomik Research, 2,000 PC gamers from the US and the UK provided profound insights into the current state of PC gaming. Through our findings, we gained valuable perspectives directly from the gaming community, shaping a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the PC gaming landscape.

As an initial step, we’ve touched upon key findings in PC gaming. We’re actively crafting a comprehensive report that delves deeper into additional key insights. Stay tuned for the release of this in-depth report in January 2024.

As we delve into these key findings, it becomes evident that the landscape of PC gaming is nuanced and, in many ways, ripe for transformation. Notably, Ultra emerges as a pivotal player, providing numerous solutions to the challenges identified in this survey.

Let’s dive into some of the key findings!

Purchasing Decisions and the Impact of Pricing

The survey indicates that 75% of PC gamers find AAA PC games too expensive. A significant 87% express that discounts play a crucial role in their purchasing decisions.

This sentiment is reflected in the purchasing habits of respondents, with only 36% acquiring digital PC games at full price. The majority prefer discounts, bundles, or obtaining games for free.

This is a statistic that calls for the need for the establishment of a secondary game market. Beyond the tangible benefit for sellers in reclaiming value from games they previously owned, keen gamers can get games at more reasonable prices. How? Players can browse Ultra’s secondary marketplace, where prices are set by fellow game owners.

Indie Game Adoption and Uncertainties

While there is a substantial market for non-AAA games, with 75% of respondents buying digital indie titles, there are lingering uncertainties. Among those who avoid indie games, 41% cite uncertainty about enjoyment, 32% lack sufficient time, 17% prefer franchise releases, and 17% find indie games challenging to discover.

In addressing these uncertainties, Ultra steps in as a game-changer for indie developers. Ultra supports game developers with co-marketing, launch events, innovative Uniqs for added player content, and a dedicated competitive tournament platform, fostering a thriving environment for indie titles. These initiatives empower developers to grow their communities, boost game purchases and downloads, and enhance player retention.

Store Wars and Discoverability Challenges

Steam is the most familiar PC game store, followed by Epic Games Store. However, discoverability remains a challenge, with 36% of respondents struggling to find new PC games. YouTube (38%), word of mouth (34%), and Steam promotions (18%) are influential channels for game discovery, while other platforms like Twitch surpass traditional avenues.

Even though Ultra is still in open beta, we’re thrilled to be acknowledged as the most well-known web3 game store among the PC gamers who were surveyed. Distinguishing ourselves from traditional game stores, we actively engage in tailored co-marketing events with both web3 and web2 partners. Our all-in-one ecosystem offers an invitation for game developers to leverage Ultra, amplifying game discoverability in the process.

Ultra’s Solution to the Pains of PC Gaming

Addressing the concerns raised by gamers, Ultra introduces a new era of game ownership. This feature aligns with the desire for discounts, the appeal of indie games, and the need for fresh experiences. As Steam remains a stronghold, Ultra’s innovative approach signals a new era for PC gaming, promising a redefined, player-centric ecosystem.

The survey underscores the evolving preferences and challenges within the PC gaming community. With Ultra at the forefront of innovation, the industry may witness a paradigm shift in how gamers perceive and interact with game stores, ownership, pricing, discoverability, and their role in supporting developers.

These initial findings have been revealed ahead of Ultra’s complete PC Gamer Study in January 2024. To be among the first to know when the full report is released, keep an eye on our Twitter.

About Ultra

Ultra is the first entertainment platform providing all key games industry services under a single roof, easily accessible through a single login.

Built around our PC games distribution store, Ultra provides access to countless centralized and decentralized services: Discover, buy, play and sell your games and in-game items, watch live-streaming feeds, interact with your favorite influencers, participate in contests, compete in tournaments, and much more.

Ultra has been built to provide endless value for players, a fair playing ground for developers, and a whole new world of opportunities for the games industry.

For more information, visit ultra.io and onultra.io and follow along on Twitter, YouTube, Telegram, Instagram, and Discord.

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