Four out of every five US consumers have played a video game in the past six months, with overall time spent gaming rising 26% and total spend rising 33% year-over-year, according to The NPD Group.
Consumers also sought options for online and group play, while mobile sales also saw notable increases. Impressively, the market growth is across all platforms. These digital platforms let people socialize and express themselves, albeit in a manner that no one thought we would actually need.
It shouldn’t be too surprising, especially with the pandemic leaving people in the US trying to find new outlets of entertainment.
Here is what Mat Piscatella, video game industry analyst at The NPD Group, said in a press statement:
This year, video games is one of the most consistent growth categories in terms of overall participation and investment relative to 2019. This may simply reflect an acceleration of trends that were in effect prior to the pandemic. If this is the case, then the gaming market could experience continued growth without a post-pandemic pullback.”
And this data was collected before the launch of Cyberpunk 2077, which is expected to be a blockbuster. In addition, the Steam winter sale kicks off later this month, creating additional opportunities for strong sales.
[Image Courtesy: Amelia Holowaty Krales and The Verge]
