A new report from analyst first IDC states that shipments of PCs have seen their worst single-quarter decline since the firm began tracking the market in 1994.

IDC expected a 7.7% decline in PC shipments compared to the first quarter of 2012 but the PC market dropped further than their initial estimates thought to 76.3 million units shipped. This total represents a 13.9% fall, year-on-year.

IDC ice president of Clients and Displays Bob O’Donnell said in a statement “At this point, unfortunately, it seems clear that the Windows 8 launch not only failed to provide a positive boost to the PC market, but appears to have slowed the market.”

“While some consumers appreciate the new form factors and touch capabilities of Windows 8, the radical changes to the UI, removal of the familiar Start button, and the costs associated with touch have made PCs a less attractive alternative to dedicated tablets and other competitive devices. Microsoft will have to make some very tough decisions moving forward if it wants to help reinvigorate the PC market.”

Source: Games Industry