The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a surge in sales within the gaming industry, with video games becoming a popular source of entertainment as people stay at home. Hardware sales for the US gaming industry have reached a record high of $4.6 billion in 2020, up 35% from 2019, while US video game sales have reached a record $56.9 billion, up 27% from the previous year. Popular games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare have seen significant sales increases. As the pandemic continues, the gaming industry is expected to continue to see high sales numbers and growth in the coming years.
Gaming sales reach record high during COVID-19 pandemic
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of life, and the gaming industry is no exception. With people staying at home to avoid the spread of the virus, video games have become a go-to source of entertainment for millions of people around the world. As a result, the gaming industry has experienced a surge in sales, with record-breaking numbers reported in both hardware and software sales.
Hardware Sales
According to a report by the NPD Group, hardware sales for the US gaming industry have reached a record high of $4.6 billion in 2020, up 35% from 2019. This surge in sales can be attributed to the release of two new consoles, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Software Sales
In addition to hardware sales, the gaming industry has also experienced a surge in software sales. The NPD Group reports that US video game sales (including both physical and digital sales) have reached a record $56.9 billion in 2020, up 27% from the previous year. This boost can also be attributed to people staying at home and turning to video games for entertainment.
Popular Games
Several video games have seen significant sales increases during the pandemic. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, for example, has sold over 31 million copies worldwide since its release in March 2020. Another popular game, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, has sold over 30 million copies since its release in October 2019. Other games that have seen a surge in sales include Minecraft, Fortnite, and Among Us.
Future of Gaming Industry
As the pandemic continues to affect people’s daily lives, it is likely that the gaming industry will continue to see high sales numbers. With the release of new consoles and popular games, the industry is poised for continued growth in the coming years.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, with a surge in sales for hardware and software. With people staying at home and turning to video games for entertainment, the industry is expected to see continued growth in the coming years.