http://www.gamespot.com/articles/graphics-not-among-the-top-reasons-people-buy-game/1100-6426659/

by Eddie Makuch on April 15, 2015

Graphics Not Among the Top Reasons People Buy Games, New Report Says

A recent Nielsen study outlined why people buy video game consoles, saying graphics were a top driving factor for PlayStation 4, brand loyalty for Xbox One, and the fun factor for Wii U. But why do people buy games? The Entertainment Software Association has released its own study--the 2015 Essential Facts report--that offers an answer to that question and sheds light on other industry topics and trends.

Although the topic of resolution and frame rate is a much-discussed talking point, it's not one of the leading factors in overall purchasing behavior, according to the new study.As you can see in the chart above, "Interesting Story/Premise" was the top factor that influenced purchasing decisions, according to The ESA's survey of more than 4,000 American households. Twenty-two percent said this was their top overall factor when deciding if they would buy a particular game.

The next closest influencing factors behind Interesting Story/Premise were Price (15 percent), Word of Mouth (11 percent), Product is a Continuation of a Favorite Game Series (10 percent), Product is Familiar to Me from Past Experiences (8 percent), and Quality of the Graphics (7 percent).

GameSpot spoke with a representative for The ESA today and confirmed that this data represents games all up--including PC, console, and mobile.

The 2015 Essential Facts report also reveals plenty of interesting video game industry trends, some of which are listed out below. Be sure to read the full report online to see everything it has to offer. You can also see some additional data points through the images at the bottom of this post.

The ESA is an organization that represents the video game industry's interests on Capitol Hill and organizes E3 every summer. The group has some of gaming's biggest names among its ranks, including Microsoft, Sony, Electronic Arts, Take-Two, Nintendo, and Ubisoft.

It also recently made headlines for sparring with the Electronic Frontier Foundation over how video games should be preserved for the next generation of gamers.

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lock if allready posted

i call BS...
who buys a mobile game for the story?

One fallacy in the study is that some of those reasons can (and likely are) linked to a reason. Word of mouth is a method of spreading news, what did their friend/family member say about the game that enticed that person?

Would have been better to see what factors influence your purchasing decision vs. the most influencing. I would think that Price, Graphics, and Interesting Story/premise would be the top 3 without question.

I don't think I know a single person who has ever bought a game mainly because of its graphics.

Premise and gameplay should be top reasons for most people and this chart makes sense. I also think setting is part of premise.

Its the premise of Zelda Ocarina of time that got me to play it, its graphics just helped sell me on that premise of exploration.

Who buys a mobile game?? =P

Just like I am sure most guys/girls don't say good looks are important to them. However all REAL statistics say otherwise.

games are like people. The guys/gals with the hottests bods always have it easy...

Good looks only matter with hookups. Boyfriend and girlfriend is more about personality.

I'm disheartened to see the price being rated so high.

Well it's nice to know some people still care about the stories.