Future of gaming companies with the impending recession ?

[Turanil]

Well, for all what seems to be happening right now, the US, and then most of the world (at least Europe is concerned) is at the doorstep of a huge economical depression. Now, more and more economists see 2008 as being difficult if not disastrous. I was thinking, how will this affect the gaming industry? How do you see the future of big and small publishers? :\

 

[EricNoah]

If consumers have less to spend, I'd guess they would spend less on luxury items while spending about the same on necessities. I guess it depends on how necessary the average gamer views RPG materials.

 

[TerraDave]

See the future? No.

But I can speculate. For older gamers, actual spending on game books is probably so low that it may not matter, but for students loosing part time jobs, or new graduates not getting one...it might.

On the other hand, games are a pretty cheap hobby. A recession might actually help some sales, as people do less of more expensive things.

On the other, other, hand, WotC and some other companies have moved to take more discretionary income of gamers, mostly with minis and, in the future, with a pay for subscription DDI. This "heavy spending" I could see going down as credit conditions tighten and people re-prioritize.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

I know we aren't really supposed to talk politics, but I'm hoping that the interest rate cut will do some good to alleviate strain on the market.

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

I know we aren't really supposed to talk politics, but I'm hoping that the interest rate cut will do some good to alleviate strain on the market.

Well, the interest rate cut is more economics than politics, though it can easily head down that path if people start discussing "stimulus packages" and the like, so I will refrain from adding much other than one scenario I heard might end up with tax rebate checks going out in June - maybe just in time to pay for a set of 4e books...

 

[TerraDave]

Well, the interest rate cut is more economics than politics, though it can easily head down that path if people start discussing "stimulus packages" and the like, so I will refrain from adding much other than one scenario I heard might end up with tax rebate checks going out in June - maybe just in time to pay for a set of 4e books...

who knew WotC had that kind of pull?

 

[Turanil]

Well, I suggest that we don't head this thread into political territory. That means we don't discuss what will be done by authorities and banks on the subject. It should stay more about what you believe about effects or not on gaming companies:

-- Some people may believe crisis won't be that bad and state this will have little impact upon gaming publishers.

-- Myself I think recession will be hard, and thus publishers will suffer. I guess WotC will suffer a lot, which plans to release sell a lot of stuff related to 4e, rather than just a couple of books. For small publishers it may be a little different; I mean, ones who essentially sell PDFs and don't operate their business to make a living but more out of passion for the hobby. In between, I can't fathom. But I would be sad if Green Ronin or Troll Lords Games disappear.

 

[SteveC]

When bad times have come before (and I disagree with the assessment that we are about to go into some sort of global recession, but that's bordering on breaking forum rules) games are one of the areas that do surprisingly well.

Think about it: you buy D&D and you get the ability to have virtually unlimited entertainment for your money without ongoing "upkeep." Stuff you can do for fun that doesn't have an ongoing cost tends to do well when you don't have money to spend.

What that says about the DI is anyone's guess.

--Steve

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

Think about it: you buy D&D and you get the ability to have virtually unlimited entertainment for your money without ongoing "upkeep." Stuff you can do for fun that doesn't have an ongoing cost tends to do well when you don't have money to spend.

It all depends on if the price of Cheetos and Moutain Dew goes up at the same time. If they do then gaming is doomed.

 

[Maikl]

I don't think some serious global crysis is coming. And I don't think it can affect gamers in any way. It really takes time for some economical changes to affect everydays life and it have to be serious changes. No need to panic