Retail sales of U.S. video game hardware, software and accessories increased 28% during the first half of 2001 (JanuaryJune), compared to the same time last year, according to marketing information provider, The NPD Group, Inc. Unit sales of video game hardware, software and accessories also rose 11% during the first half of 2001 vs. first half 2000.
"The sales boost in the first six months of the year is great news for the video game industry considering video game sales for annual 2000 were down for the first time since 1997," said Richard Ow, account executive, NPD Interactive Entertainment. "We anticipate 2001 to be a very profitable year for the video game industry. This is especially true since 50% or more of the sales usually come during the fourth quarter. Even more importantly, two highly anticipated systems, GameCube and Xbox, will debut this November, " Ow added.
According to NPD, the continued sales growth was driven by many factors. These included the hardware sales of Sony PlayStation 2, the launch of Game Boy Advance and decreased price points of the Sega Dreamcast.
Next Gen Console
Ow adds, "While PS2 and Game Boy Advance software is flying off the shelves, the older generation of software from the PlayStation, Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color systems still comprise almost 75% of the year-to-date sales. The new systems will need consistent injections of high-quality, jaw-dropping games with unique content to drive sales of the newer, more expensive hardware systems. Super Mario Advance and Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec are two examples of unique first party software that are major drivers of hardware sales."
The NPD Group is
the leading provider of comprehensive marketing information collected
and delivered online for a wide range of vertical markets. By tracking
both purchasing behavior and attitudes among the same consumers, NPD
offers subscribers unique insight into what's happening in their industries
and why. NPD also measures both retail product movement and e-commerce
for a complete view of each market tracked. Consumer data are collected
through the firm's Online Panel, which has access to over 3 million
individuals, and will be delivered through a series of marketing information
portals, launching throughout the year.
Markets tracked by NPD include apparel, automotive products, consumer electronics, cosmetics and fragrances, food, foodservice, footwear, housewares, information technology, interactive entertainment, toys, music and more. NPD is the developer of the revolutionary Web audience measurement technology now marketed by its successful spin-off Jupiter Media Metrix. The firm has offices and affiliations in 36 countries, covering North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. For more information on The NPD Group, visit http://www.npd.com.