We all know how important the monthly sales reports are for console gamers in general, and since the latest generation of consoles released, consumers have been embracing the new Digital only era kicking and screaming. Well according to the Entertainment Software Association the montly NPD reports are skewed as they ommit Digital Sales of games, which admittedly takes up a huge chunk of the market. In regards to PC game sales, it’s mostly digital with Steam and other DRM free options out there offering download only sales.
Scores of millions of consumers purchase innovative content in myriad ways, including subscription services, digital downloads, and via their mobile devices. Gone are the days when the industry’s growth and strength could be determined by retailers simply reporting packaged good sales. Unfortunately, NPD’s revenue data yesterday continued to reinforce that traditional model at the expense of new areas where the industry is growing. Consumers, the creators and innovators of our industry, and the investment community deserve better. ESA will do its part by encouraging and motivating NPD to release the total consumer spend for 2015 that includes all aspects of this diverse industry.
It’s great to see the ESA push the industry to accurately declare sales numbers. Game downloads are growing by leaps and bounds with over 30% of the total sales of games consisting of digital sales, it’s only fitting that the industry statistics embrace this future.
