NPD Group Reveals Classification System For 'Establishing Unified Definitions'

U.S. tracking firm the NPD Group has released its own classification system for addressing digital game releases, which it hopes will provide the rapidly expanding sector with a good foundation. The Video Games Industry Taxonomy, developed in collaboration with the NPD's Games Advisory Board, provides terminology and "proper classification" for the digital gaming space, with references to specific devices and types of content. The aim is to give the industry a common language to work from when discussing the gaming market, and to help users better understand the various genres, distribution menthods and monetization models. The chart includes terminology for the type of game, be it hardware, software and the like, the various available platforms, the channels through which video games can be purchased, and the payment methods that are available, amongst other terms. David McQuillan, president of games at The NPD Group, explained, "Establishing unified definitions will benefit industry stakeholders since a common framework helps to facilitate clear conversations among retailers, publishers, developers, the financial community and the media as digital distribution has increased the complexity of industry business models." "Feedback on the Taxonomy is welcome and encouraged in order to make sure that it is as current as possible and addresses the entire video games industry as accurately as possible."