The U.S. video game industry grew 18 percent last year, according to a new report from the Entertainment Software Association with data provided by the NPD Group. December video game sales were up to cap a record-breaking $43.4 billion year-end total.
The Nintendo Switch passed Sony’s Playstation 4 to become the top-selling console, with Red Dead Redemption 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, NBA 2K19, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Mario Kart 8, and Marvel’s Spider-Man among the titles doing big business to lure gamers.
December tracked spending* across video game hardware, software, game cards, and accessories totaled $3.4 billion, up 2 percent when compared to a year ago. Gains in accessories and game card spending offset declines in hardware and software spend. This is the highest December tracked consumer spend since December 2015.
Annual spending across tracked video game hardware, software, accessories, and game cards increased 13 percent when compared to 2017, to $16.7 billion. This is the highest annual consumer spend total since the $17.4 billion generated in 2011.
U.S. Video Game Industry Revenue | 2018 | 2017 | Growth Percentage |
Hardware, including peripherals | $7.5 billion | $6.5 billion | 15% |
Software, including in-game purchases and subscriptions | $35.8 billion | $30.4 billion | 18% |
Total: | $43.4 billion | $36.9 billion | 18% |
Source: NPD Group, Sensor Tower
*Tracked spending is not meant to cover total market/total consumer spend.