The NPD recorded the total of new game purchases at retail to be $10.5 billion in 2009. Adding in other money spent, like rentals, subscriptions, DLC and used game purchases puts in another $4.5 to $4.75 billion.
“Our expanded estimate of consumer spending reflects the growing number of options to purchase, acquire and interact with video games ranging from GameFly rentals to iPod Touch game apps,” said Anita Frazier, industry analyst, The NPD Group. “Consumer spending on social network games like those offered by Facebook would push this estimate even higher.”
NPD’s total covers all retail game purchases with the exception of social network games. The total spent on these games shows the continued viability of the traditional gaming market.
“Tracking and reporting consumer demand for gaming in all its forms is a step toward reflecting the full breadth and depth of the Games industry, The NPD Group is excited to provide an expanded view into U.S. video game content sales through our recently launched Games Acquisition Monitor and other consumer-based tracking services,” said Dave McQuillan, President/Games Division, The NPD Group.
