The video game industry earned $8.47 billion in digital sales for August, according to the latest figures from SuperData Research. This represents seven percent growth over last year, driven by pay-to-play PC and free-to-play console titles.
On PC, World of Warcraft‘s Battle of Azeroth expansion was a big hit, earning Blizzard $161 million. This doesn’t include pre-sales leading up to the launch. In fact, WoW West subscribers reached its highest point since 2014. As a result, WoW held the number two spot for digital PC sales in August, with Dungeon Fighter Online holding the top honors.
Capcom’s Monster Hunter World sold two million units on PC after a successful launch on console. The adventure game, which has a film in development, knocked PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds down to second place on the PC rankings for August.
League of Legends, meanwhile, could experience its worst performing year since 2014. The popular free-to-play MOBA title dropped 21 percent compared to the same time period in 2017. Mastercard recently signed with League of Legends as the game’s first global partner, which will offer its cardholders VIP esports packages. With new exposure around the competition circuit, Riot Game’s title could bounce back during the World Championships beginning October 1.
Both free-to-play PC and social games experienced single-digit declines last month.
Epic Games’ critical darling, Fortnite continues to dominate the console charts at number one, followed by FIFA 18. Thanks to its loyal community and frequent updates, RockStar’s Grand Theft Auto V still holds its own at number three.
Madden 19 launched at number four on the console charts for August. SuperData estimates that Madden 19 sold 664,000 digital units, making it the best ever launch month for the franchise.
The usual mobile contenders defended their top positions last month, led by Honour of Kings, QQ Speed and Pokémon GO.
