November 23, 2001
Bonus levels
Companies aren't playing around when it comes to PC and video games
By Christine Brucker
Entertainment Editor
As in years past, computer and video games have topped the list in the gifts to give this holiday season. The recent release of Microsoft's XBox and Nintendo's GameCube have added to the visibility and demand for games this season.
The video and computer game industry has looked to the holiday season as the prime time to release its newest hardware advances. This year has been no exception. After much fanfare, Microsoft unveiled its first console game, the XBox. Days later, Nintendo followed suit with the GameCube. Not to be outdone, Sony debuted a slew of new titles. Not to be outdone, developers of computer gaming software have issued some holiday releases of their own.
There are solid economic reasons for the intense competition. According to and economic study by the Interactive Digital Software Association, the impact of the industry is not a game. In 2000, the demand for computer and video games created a $10.5 billion market for software publishing, some hardware manufacturing, retailing and wholesaling. Video games generated $4.1 billion, computer games $1.55 billion and edutainment $365 million.
Industry experts estimate that by 2005, 70 percent of all households will have a form of computer or video game console.
Locally, that translates into more types of stores carrying the games and hardware. Traditional outlets like WalMart and KMart face competition from business supply stores like Staples and video rental outlets like Video Connection.
For those in the market for a game system, Walmart and KMart are still the best options. For the hard-to-find newer systems, Software Etc. at the Findlay Village Mall may be a possibility.
Once you have the system, new games can be had at WalMart and KMart as well. Be warned, these games are not cheap. Games for PS2, XBox and GameCube all run in the neighborhood of $30 to $60 for the newest releases. Older titles and PSX games run from $20 to $40 each.
One way to cut gaming costs is by buying used games.
"They are just as good as new games," said Josh Walton, manager of Software Etc. "Another benefit is there are many older titles that are only available used."
Rental outlets offer many used titles. Other options include online auctions.
PC gamers have different options. Staples and WalMart offer out-of-the-box computer systems. If you are shopping online, Gateway and Dell offer computer systems designed just for gamers. Staples, Heritage Computer Service Center and Software Etc. offer individual components to upgrade your existing system.
Games can be purchased at WalMart, KMart, Software Etc. or Staples. Prices for new PC games are comparable to their console counterparts. Older games are available at a rate from $10 to $20. Other options include special packaged editions. Some games are available bundled with their expansion packs for slightly more than the game on its own. Baldur's Gate, a role playing game, sells for around $30 with the original game and the expansion pack and $20 for the game on its own.