U.S. Video Game Sales Top $43.4 Billion in 2018

U.S. video game industry sales reached $43.4 billion in 2018, an 18 percent increase from 2017, according to research conducted by the Entertainment Software Association and The NPD Group.

Hardware, which consists of peripheral, and software on all platforms including console, PC, portable and mobile, saw record-breaking gains from physical, digital, in-game and subscription purchases.

"The impressive economic growth of the industry announced today parallels the growth of the industry in mainstream American culture," says Stanley Pierre-Louis, acting president and chief executive officer, ESA. "Across the nation, we count people of all backgrounds and stages of life among our most passionate video game players and fans. Interactive entertainment stands today as the most influential form of entertainment in America."

According to the data, 150 million Americans play video games. As a result, the video game industry has become one of the country’s fastest-growing economic sectors.

The industry employs more than 220,000 people across all 50 states. More than 500 colleges and universities in 46 states offer degrees and programs relating to the video game industry.

"2018 was another record-setting year for the U.S. video game industry as consumer spending jumped 18 percent to over $43 billion,” says Mat Piscatella, video games industry analyst, The NPD Group. “Whether it was playing on the go on a mobile device or at home on a PC or console, consumers of all ages and interests found compelling content that delighted in 2018. Console, PC and mobile platforms all saw significant growth while developing portions of the market, like subscription and streaming services, gave us a peek into a future full of possibilities for the industry and gamers."