Connect with top gaming leaders in Los Angeles at GamesBeat Summit 2023 this May 22-23. Register here.


Gamers didn’t slow down game spending in Q3 in preparation for the next generation. In fact, consumers spent 17 percent more on game-related content in Q3 compared to the same period in 2012.

Sales-tracking firm The NPD Group revealed that consumers spent $3.45 billion on game content in Q3. That includes $1.3 billion in new physical software, $436 million on used and rented games, and $1.72 billion on digital, mobile, and social gaming.

“Trends during the third quarter were the best that we have observed since the second quarter of 2011, driven by growth across both the physical and digital sides of the video game industry,” NPD analyst Liam Callahan said in a statement. “The launch of Grand Theft Auto V helped propel the new physical sales by 20 percent and continued growth of console digital full games as well as downloadable add-on content is an indication of the renewed health of the industry.”

NPD notes that digital version of full games and downloadable content saw a 35 percent increase year-over-year. Between new physical games and full digital games and DLC, gamers spent $1.98 billion in Q3. That’s compared to $1.59 billion in Q3 of 2012.

Event

GamesBeat Summit 2023

Join the GamesBeat community in Los Angeles this May 22-23. You’ll hear from the brightest minds within the gaming industry to share their updates on the latest developments.


Register Here

The fourth quarter could see even more growth. Sony launched its PlayStation 4 last Friday, and Microsoft releases Xbox One at midnight.

“We expect that the launches of Microsoft’s Xbox One and Sony’s PS4 will continue to fuel consumer excitement and spending for games heading into the holiday season,” said Callahan.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

GamesBeat's creed when covering the game industry is "where passion meets business." What does this mean? We want to tell you how the news matters to you -- not just as a decision-maker at a game studio, but also as a fan of games. Whether you read our articles, listen to our podcasts, or watch our videos, GamesBeat will help you learn about the industry and enjoy engaging with it. Discover our Briefings.