NPD: spending on video games in the US for the second quarter reached a historic high

In the second quarter, American players spent $11.6 billion on video games and related products. As analysts from the NPD Group note, this is an absolute record. At the same time, every third owner of a PS4 or Xbox One has at least both consoles.Key data

• during the reporting period from April to June 2020, players spent 30% more on video games compared to last year’s figures, which is also 7% higher than the record data of the first quarter ($10.9 billion);most of this came directly from content ($10.2 billion).
• Sales increased by 28% compared to last year, and growth was seen in all categories at once — from physical sales to “figures” and subscription payments;iron sales totaled $848 million and increased by 57%.
• The numbers of each of the three key consoles (PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch) increased by at least 47%. According to analyst Mat Piscatella, the growth in demand may pave the way for the launch of the next generation;American players spent $584 million on various accessories.
• At the same time, steering wheel sales jumped by as much as 60% (this is largely due to the holding of major gaming racing events in the last quarter).The key drivers of sales growth were such hits as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, GTA V, Mario Kart 8: Deluxe, Minecraft, NBA 2K20, Pokémon Go, as well as games of the Candy Crush mobile franchise.

Of this year’s releases , Animal Crossing is mentioned in the report: New Horizons, Call of Duty: Warzone, Final Fantasy VII: Remake and The Last of Us: Part II.

It is noteworthy that 82% of console players also spend time in mobile games, and every third owner of a PS4 or Xbox One has both consoles.

The record numbers were partly influenced by the pandemic. “Many [players] have turned to video games not only to pass the time, but also to stay in touch with their family and friends. This has led to an increase in the previously outlined trends to increase the involvement of players,” Piscatella believes.

Analysts from the NPD Group come to the conclusion that players began not only to spend more hours in games, but also to spend more in the process. Given the prevailing conditions, at the moment there are no signs for a slowdown in growth.

Also on the topic:

• NPD: in March, the US gaming market earned a record $1.59 billionNPD named the most popular consoles in the USA over the past 10 and 25 years
• NPD: 73% of Americans play video games
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