SEGA: PC sales “performing much better than is currently reported”

By Stephany Nunneley

SEGA has defended PC gaming and claims that a reported 26 percent year-on-year decline does not represent the full picture.

Speaking with MCV, SEGA UK’s managing director John Clark said that digital sales should start being taken into account as it makes up a large portion of revenue for PC game sales.

“The PC market is third in terms of its year-on-year performance with a decline of 26 per cent, but this doesn’t really reflect the full picture,” said Clark. “The PC digital download business is now a viable sector but somewhat invisible as it’s not yet covered by Chart-Track. The PC market overall is actually performing much better than is currently reported and remains a vital and strong sector to be involved in.

“Last month’s PC chart illustrates Sega’s position within this sector. Napoleon: Total War, Football Manager 2010 and Aliens vs Predator are three different styles of game from three different genres. They can all drive a strong, community fan base with the ability to consistently deliver endless hours of gameplay. Incidentally, they are all developed in the UK.

“For 2009, Sega was ranked the second biggest PC publisher in the market. In 2010 year-to-date, we are once again ranked second. Long may it continue.”

Last year, SEGA was the second largest UK publisher of PC games, and held a 12 percent share of the market.

So far in 2010, it holds a 12.8 percent share of the PC market thanks to sales of Aleins vs Predator as well as the aforementioned titles.