NPD: August Video Game Sales Up 8%

12 Sep, 2014 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Next-generation video game consoles from Sony and Microsoft continue to spur sales of new packaged-media titles, which increased 8% in August from the same period a year ago, according to data from The NPD Group.

Total video game sales (physical) topped $561 million from $521 million a year ago. Hardware sales skyrocketed 116% to $196 million due the arrival of Xbox One and PlayStation 4 late last year.

Indeed, eighth-generation hardware represented close to 70% of August hardware sales, which is the highest percentage share since the release of the Xbox One and PS4 back in November 2013.

“When lining up sales of PS4 and Xbox One after 10 months on the market, the combined PS4 and Xbox One hardware sales are greater by over 70% compared to their predecessors,” NPD’s Liam Callahan said in a statement.

Meanwhile, total sales of titles for physical and portable devices dropped 22% to $238.7 million.

“Overall new physical retail sales (hardware, software and accessories) increased in August 2014 over August 2013 and followed a similar pattern of prior months with explosive hardware growth driven by eighth-generation consoles offsetting declines in software,” Callahan said.

With the start of football across the country and non-release of Electronic Arts Sports’ NCAA College Football 15 due to litigation, the top-selling title in the month was Madden NFL 15, also from EA.

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