Report: Video Games Reach Highest Quarterly Spend in U.S. History

U.S. consumer spending on video gaming reached a record $10.86 billion in Q1 2020.

May 16, 2020

Overall consumer spending on video gaming in the U.S. reached a record $10.86 billion in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of nine percent compared to the same time period last year, according to the Q1 2020 Games Market Dynamics: U.S. report from The NPD Group.

"Video Games have brought comfort and connection to millions during this challenging time," says Mat Piscatella, games industry analyst, The NPD Group. "As people have stayed at home more, they've utilized gaming not only as a diversion and an escape, but also as a means of staying connected with family and friends. Whether it was on console or mobile, PC or virtual reality, gaming experienced play and sales growth during the first quarter."

Sales of video game content reached $9.58 billion in the first quarter, up 11 percent when compared to a year ago. Digital console and PC content, mobile and subscription spending, as well as hardware and accessories categories saw gains over the year.

Games such as “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,”

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” “Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot,” “DOOM Eternal,” “Grand Theft Auto V,” “Fortnite,” “MLB The Show 20,” “Minecraft” and “NBA 2K20” were among the best-performing titles of the first quarter.

Sales of video game accessories, including gamepads, headsets, cases and other peripherals increased one percent in the first quarter, reaching $503 million.

Strong growth in sales of Nintendo Switch hardware and software helped to offset declines across other hardware platforms, leading the overall video game hardware market to increase two percent in the quarter to $773 million.