According to a report by the PC Gaming Alliance (PCGA), PC game revenues increased to $13.1 billion in 2009, a three percent increase from the previous year.
Despite the increase, boxed PC game sales showed a sharp decline by over 20 percent, confirming a shift to digital distribution among gamers.
"The most notable trend in recent years has been the movement to digital distribution and payment for subscriptions, and the growing popularity with consumers of online games as a service," says PCGA president Randy Stude.
Most countries in North America and Europe saw revenue declines of 10 to 15 percent, while Asian countries experienced a growth in sales.
"In 2009, we saw North America and Europe experience a rapid uptake in purchasing virtual items. This model is what drove growth in Asia, and we think it is just starting to come to Western markets."
Nonetheless the future looks positive with the report adding that "free-to-play games and social network sites continue to draw in thousands of new game players that can be progressively monetized."
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