Annual U.S. Games Industry Consumer Spending Declines 5% in Final NPD Group Sales Report of 2022

Better late than never!

Data firm The NPD Group has shared its final games industry sales report for 2022 tracking spending in the United States. Within, it showed a modest sales decline since last year. Mostly expected during the start of a regression towards pre-pandemic values after an all-time best the prior year. There was resilience in the final quarter as bigger games hit market and supply concerns eased, minimizing the downward movement and making 2022’s $56.6 billion the second best year on record behind 2021’s $59.6 billion.

Not bad, all things considered.

During this piece, I’ll recap both the most recent monthly results and annual figures. Buckle up for an in-depth read.

December was one of the brighter reports compared to earlier months, ending a fourth quarter recovery that made full year figures look much better. The big holiday period was the second straight month where total spending increased, after a number of months either down or flat.

That’s even considering a very slight decline in the major category of Video Game Content, which measures software, mobile, subscriptions and related spending. Call of Duty, Pokémon and Madden NFL led the charge here, as often happens. For Video Game Hardware, the only category that grow in 2022 to a best-ever result, Sony’s PlayStation 5 console and Nintendo’s hybrid Switch both spent time atop the monthly rankings.

“Factors impacting 2022 spending included continued supply constraints of console hardware, a relatively light slate of new premium releases and macroeconomic conditions,” said The NPD Group’s Mat Piscatella.

As I’ve covered in the past, 2021 was the height of pandemic spending for many regions, including the States. 2022 proved to be the anticipated regression towards more normalized results, exacerbated by mobile weakness and inflationary pressure on people’s wallets. Still, Q4 showed there’s still substantial demand for big budget premium games and new hardware when it’s actually available at retail.

There’s also the cultural touchstone that was Elden Ring, nearly out-earning Call of Duty, which broke into the mainstream zeitgeist more than any FromSoftware game could ever do in the past. Combine that with annualized sports releases, a dual launch year for Pokémon and exceptional showings from Sony-published exclusives, and premium gaming helped offset mobile’s under-performance.

Check below for a full recap of each category last year and a look forward towards 2023.

United States Games Industry Sales (November 27th, 2022 – December 31st, 2022)

Total consumer spend on gaming within the U.S. rose 2% in December, to $7.58 billion. Driven by double-digit gains in the hardware category that more than offset losses elsewhere. This fits the growing trend along with October’s plateau and November’s increase towards growth.

That strength in the final quarter pumped up full year spending to $56.6 billion, which ended up being down 5% compared to 2021. Growth areas like console and subscriptions weren’t enough to out-gain losses in premium software and mobile, also hurting due to macro pressures like inflation.

The largest category of Content dipped a modest 1% in December, down to $5.55 billion. Which means it made up 73% of overall monthly spending, compared to 75% in November. Holiday demand and mobile regaining footing contributed towards the upside.

Speaking of mobile, this sub-segment returned to growth in December as geolocation, simulation, action and shooters gained ground. Still, 2022 became the first 12 months in tracked history where people spent less than the prior year on mobile. Shooters exhibited a most precipitous decline at 26% while casino gains proved popular, moving up 1%. Candy Crush Saga, Roblox and Coin Master were the year’s Top 3 earners here.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 repeated as December’s best-seller on the premium list, which it’s done each month since October’s launch. This led to Activision Blizzard’s military shooter earning the top spot on 2022’s overall rankings as well, as I predicted. That marks a staggering 14 consecutive years where a Call of Duty game was the country’s best-selling title.

Familiar faces continued on the premium best-sellers list for December as Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and God of War: Ragnarök generated the 2nd and 3rd most dollar sales, in that order. Elden Ring benefited from solid demand during the holiday season, returning to the Top 10 at #7.

Late year launches Need for Speed: Unbound and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII: Reunion started in 8th and 10th, respectively, a quite good showing considering the heavy hitters around it. The only other new title Callisto Protocol under-performed in 17th place, partially because its digital portion was not included. Even if downloads were considered, I’m skeptical it would have cracked the Top 10.

As mentioned before, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was the year’s best-seller. In fact, there were two Call of Duty entries among the Top 12 as people somehow retained interest in 2021’s Call of Duty: Vanguard. Then, Elden Ring and Madden NFL 23 rounded out the Top 3 for 2022. Sony’s PlayStation publishing arm had a sensational year with three single-platform games in the Top 13 and another developed title in the Top 10. God of War: Ragnarök finished ahead of bellwethers like Pokémon and FIFA while Horizon Forbidden West and MLB: The Show 22 scored Top 10 spots. Other observations include over-performance of Nintendo’s Kirby and the Forgotten Land floating to #14 and Sega’s Sonic Frontiers speeding up to #16.

Here’s a full look at the software lists for December and 2022 overall, including our first look at the top-grossing mobile titles.

Top-Selling Games of December 2022, U.S., All Platforms (Physical & Digital Dollar Sales):

  1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
  2. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet*
  3. God of War Ragnarök
  4. Madden NFL 23
  5. FIFA 23
  6. Sonic Frontiers
  7. Elden Ring
  8. Need for Speed Unbound
  9. Mario Kart 8*
  10. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII: Reunion
  11. NBA 2K23*
  12. Just Dance 2023
  13. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
  14. Minecraft
  15. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*
  16. Nintendo Switch Sports*
  17. The Callisto Protocol*
  18. Animal Crossing: New Horizons*
  19. Splatoon 3*
  20. Gotham Knights

Top-Selling Games of 2022, U.S., All Platforms (Physical & Digital Dollar Sales):

  1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
  2. Elden Ring
  3. Madden NFL 23
  4. God of War Ragnarök
  5. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
  6. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet*
  7. FIFA 23
  8. Pokémon Legends Arceus
  9. Horizon Forbidden West
  10. MLB: The Show 22^
  11. Mario Kart 8*
  12. Call of Duty: Vanguard
  13. Gran Turismo 7
  14. Kirby and the Forgotten Land*
  15. NBA 2K23*
  16. Sonic Frontiers
  17. Gotham Knights
  18. Minecraft
  19. Nintendo Switch Sports*
  20. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*

Top-Selling Games of 2022, U.S., Mobile (Top Grossing):

  1. Candy Crush Saga
  2. Roblox
  3. Coin Master
  4. Royal Match
  5. Pokémon Go
  6. Evony
  7. Clash of Clans
  8. Homescapes
  9. Bingo Blitz – BINGO Games
  10. Jackpot Party – Casino Slots

The Hardware category is up next, as December generated upwards of 16% growth to $1.53 billion. I believe this might have been a record December month for the console category as inventories flooded the market during the holiday rush, notably from Sony’s suppliers. It also proves that demand is constant at this point in the cycle, which it really should be.

Expanding to the last 12 months as a whole, Hardware sales reached $6.57 billion, jumping up from $6.1 billion in 2021. The NPD Group did say this amount was an all-time best, an incredible achievement considering how slow this segment began the year.

PlayStation 5 leveraged better inventory to become the best-selling console by dollar sales during both December and 2022 as a whole. It was the first year since the new console generation in 2020 that Nintendo Switch didn’t lead on revenue. Big budget IP like God of War and Horizon plus a premium racing game in Gran Turismo 7 bolstered the console, alongside its higher price point that lifted up the revenue side. In the back half especially, Sony’s suppliers seemed to be the best at adapting in this supply environment to secure enough shipments to satisfy pent-up demand.

Even so, Nintendo Switch did win December and 2022 when measured by units, boosted by its more attractive cost and appeal to households that want more than one gaming device. While it didn’t have any pure flagship titles outside of Pokémon, a series which somehow launched two best-sellers in Pokémon Legends Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Nintendo always produces high quality titles that strengthen system sales as series like Kirby and Switch Sports amplified the lineup.

While the Xbox Series X|S came in third place during December and the year on all metrics, it held its own during a tough time for consoles. Microsoft continually cited how it had the best start of any Xbox console in history, albeit at a global scale. There were a few months in 2022 when it achieved second place, though its Series X model in particular seemed to be hit especially hard by supply challenges. The Series S doesn’t generate as much revenue, so Xbox doesn’t compete as much when it comes to monthly best-sellers even in its home market. Not to mention, its slate of first-party software was sparse, which didn’t help.

The general tone of the console business turned quite upbeat as the year went on, ending with a great December and up nearly double-digits for 2022. It’s also a positive sign of things to come, as I’m turning bullish on this portion of the market.

The final segment of Video Game Accessories saw the biggest declines during both December and 2022 as a whole. Last month, spending here dipped 2% to $503 million.

Unfortunately, The NPD Group didn’t share which accessory was the best-selling of the month. Lately it’s been a version of the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, however there’s a chance that an Xbox game pad took home the win. I have a question out to the team for comment.

It follows that for the year, spending in this category fell 8% to $2.51 billion. Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller ended 2022 as the year’s best-seller here, a popular upgrade choice for core players that benefits in comparisons like this because of a hefty price tag.

That’s a wrap on the final domestic sales report of 2022. It was a transitory year for the industry, as certain areas returned towards the mean while others under-performed. Mobile weakness, less premium AAA launches and a seemingly lower tie rate for peripherals all put pressure on the final figures. That said, historically it was still the second best annual spending in history so the industry is doing just fine. Easing supply concerns in the latter parts of the year and select premium titles helped keep the result high compared to prior years, even the likes of 2020.

“2022 finished strong, with improving performance in the category compared to a year ago following the May 2022 lows.” Piscatella said on LinkedIn. “With improving supply of console hardware – and a highly anticipated slate of new releases – 2023 looks like it could be a great year for the market.”

Looking ahead to the coming months, I wrote up a general 2023 predictions article earlier in the month. I’ll recap some of those points and touch on more domestic predictions.

When it comes to the overall consumer spending number for this year, I’m looking at virtually flat or an increase in the low single-digits. Assuming a 3% rise would bring 2023 sales to around $58.3 billion. I’m not anticipating another down year for mobile, and a more robust content calendar for AAA releases will bump premium output. Combine this with hardware availability and I’m thinking buyers will spend about what they did last year.

I’m forecasting Content will also be flat or up slightly. It starts with mobile, which should rebound, and continues with a busier software lineup than 2022. On the premium side, depending who you believe, there might be another annual Call of Duty title which I expect to be the best-seller if it does come out. Shoot, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 could even repeat if it has a substantial expansion attached to it instead.

Other contenders include sports titles, of course. This year’s Madden game, in particular. In the next couple months, Hogwarts Legacy and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor will be massive and both will compete for a Top 5 finish. Nintendo’s major release is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, slated for May, and should be Switch’s annual best-seller even if another Pokémon hits market. Sony’s flagship is Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, listed for launch in the Fall, which will set records for a PlayStation exclusive launch and will certainly be part of the year’s Top 5.

For Xbox, the story is Starfield which some people think will still be out before June. (Spoiler: It won’t.) It’s hard to predict where an Xbox Game Pass release ranks; I could see it as part of the Top 10. Elsewhere, Diablo IV will be a huge hit when it starts in June. I just don’t know if it competes for a Top 3 spot at the end of the day. Final Fantasy XVI is a wildcard. Ubisoft has a couple chances in Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora if they actually launch this year. Then there’s always a surprise or two.

Moving over to Hardware, it’s Sony’s year by a comfortable margin. I bet PlayStation 5 will be 2023’s best-seller on both revenue and units. It will lead most months by dollar sales, and split with Nintendo Switch on units depending on supply and titles i.e. May when Zelda debuts and whenever Marvel’s Spider-Man comes out. I also don’t expect a Switch hardware announcement, and I do think it will land in second place. Xbox can compete for second, I just remain hesitant on Microsoft’s conversion strategy.

Well, that about does it. What stands out to you during December and 2022? Surprised by any of the results? How did your predictions go? What’s in store for 2023? Drop a line here or social media!

I highly recommend checking out Piscatella’s thread on Twitter and the full report at the website here. Thanks for reading these throughout the year! Check back for the first recap of 2023 in a few weeks. All the best, everyone.

*Digital Sales Not Included, ^Xbox & Switch Digital Sales Not Included

Note: Comparisons are year-over-year unless otherwise mentioned.

Sources: GeekWire (Image Credit), The NPD Group, Rokas Tenys (Image Credit), Video Games Chronicle.

-Dom