Direct2Drive calls for digital chart

Leading downloads provider Direct2Drive is keen to see the formation of a digital games chart, despite resistance to the prospect from competitors including Steam.

In an exclusive interview with MCV, Rich Keen – marketing director of IGN-owned Direct2Drive – said that a chart would make the digital market appear more credible for consumers and publishers.

His comments come after rival firm Steam revealed that it did not want to release sales data – effectively blocking any creation of a digital chart.

The news comes ahead of forthcoming premier digital distribution event London Games Conference.

Taking place at BAFTA in London from 4:30pm on Tuesday October 27th, LGC is focusing on the challenge of digital distribution with speakers and panelists from leading manufacturers, publishers and developers.

Tickets for the event are 229. Click here or phone 01992 535647 for more information.

Keen told MCV this week:

"We can see [a chart] happening, and we’ve been discussing it with several different groups. From our perspective, it’s one of the most positive things that could happen to add validity to the digital marketplace. But it’s also important for consumers. They need to understand just how commonplace digital games are.

"One of the big negative comments we get when discussing a digital chart with others, is that retailers don’t want to release their market share. But there’s no need for that secrecy – it’s a group figure we think people are interesting in, across all portals, not individual sales data."