Step 5: Distribution Estimate

The "distribution estimate" of a game is another arbitrary mark from 1 (very low distribution) to 10 (distributed widely).

Again, with 180,397 items (and counting!) on our site, we haven't been able to accurately work out the "distribution estimate" of every item - but the form below will illustrate the concept for the ones we have assessed. Choose a Machine Type, a format and the name of a game. The base price already uplifted by the preceding factors will then be reported, along with the calculation applied for adjust for the Distribution Estimate value...

Distribution Estimate

Distribution Estimate:

That is the final valuation. This illustrative tool actually breaks down a rather complex formula. The formula does rely on some arbitrary values which we ourselves have determined - but it does seem to work quite well at giving a realistic market price for any item.

Those with a particularly mathematical mind, might like to see it written as a complete formula:

valuation = ( basePrice + ( ( 100 - percentageChanceOfFindingIt ) * ( basePrice / 45 ) ) + ( basePrice + ( ( 100 - percentageChanceOfFindingIt ) * ( basePrice / 45 ) ) * ( generalEsteem / 100 ) ) * ( consideredModernUsefulness / 10 ) + ( basePrice + ( ( 100 - percentageChanceOfFindingIt ) * ( basePrice / 45 ) ) + ( basePrice + ( ( 100 - percentageChanceOfFindingIt ) * ( basePrice / 45 ) ) * ( generalEsteem / 100 ) ) * ( consideredModernUsefulness / 10 ) * ( ( 10 - distributionEstimate ) / 10 ) )

If you've played with the Market Price Illustration tool this far, then you may find it helpful to assess the value of software in your collection. A word of caution here: whilst we believe it to give accurate results, no warranty as to its fitness for purpose, express or implied, is given. ;-)