EA boss John Riccitiello has said that the time has come for analysts and data providers to reveal market download numbers to publishers.

Speaking to Fox News about the growth of digital downloads – and how the recession has hit the packaged goods business – Riccitiello said:

“One of the things, we all read the analyst reports, [is that] there’s such a focus on this research data forum that provides a report on console gaming because that’s what’s sold at retail. There’s an entire other world of download, online, all the things that are going on that doesn’t really show up in the surveys and I think that’s the future.”

His comments come after MCV revealed that GfK-ChartTrack is to begin including digital data in its UK PC charts next year – following similar calls from publishers.

During the interview, Riccitiello said that the popularity for digital content had offset a decline in retail console sales this year.

He commented that the industry had seen “low double digit” decline in sales – which tallies with this morning’s Global Market Report.

He added: “It’s really, in an odd sort of way, a tale of two cities, of two sectors. The traditional packaged goods business has been a little challenged so far this year.

"We’ve seen a pick up in it of late – the month of September was stronger than the months prior – but it has been down low double digits.

"The other end of the world – online games that you download; games you would get by way of iPhone for example – that totally digital business is up so strong that it’s actually offsetting the challenge we see at retail. So the combination is up, [but] the retail business is down."

Thanks Edge.