History Of Video Game Distribution

Timeline of how video game distribution has changed over time.

1980s
Before internet connections became popular, there were few services for digital distribution of games. Physical media was the dominant method of delivering video games. One of the first examples of digital distribution in video games was GameLine, which operated during the early 1980s. 

1990s
Distribution to console started would appear in the 90s. In 1988, Nintendo introduced the Famicom Modem. 

2000s
By this time, internet connections were fast and numerous enough such that digital distribution of games and other related content became viable.

Consoles
Consoles allowed video game companies to distribute on a number of platforms including their own. They did this via the internet as consoles were becoming 'internet-enabled'. Furthermore, this would allow additional content to be added to the main game, such as maps, weapons, and in-game clothing. To many gamers this was known as DLC (Downloadable Content).

Microsoft Windows
PC gaming also become popular because of the number of internet connections soared at during the 2000s period. In 2004, there was a rise in the number of digital distribution services on PC, such as Amazon digital services, GameStop, Games for Windows. The valve co-operation then released their own platform called Steam where gamers was able to buy and download games they would normally play on their consoles e.g. Call of Duty or the Grand Theft Auto series were amongst the most popular. This service then became more and more popular enabling users to buy games from independent developers and major distributors. Steam has become the most popular and largest digital distributor for video games with over 40 million users using the service.

Mobile Gaming
Digital distribution is the dominant method of delivering content on mobile platforms such as iOS devices and Android phones. The increase in the number of mobile users who use iOS and Android phones has allowed developers to create and distribute games on this platform.