The US videogame industry produced a record $36 billion in revenue in 2017, according to new data released on Thursday by the Entertainment Software Association and The NPD Group.
“2017 was a special year for the industry, and for everyone who loves
games,” said Mat Piscatella, The NPD Group’s video game industry
analyst in a press release. “Developers created content that delighted gamers across all
gaming platforms. From mobile to PC, and from console to virtual
reality, growth was achieved because the passion of gamers was matched
only by the talent of game makers.”
Hardware revenue grew to $6.9 billion in 2017 from $5.8 billion in 2016, while software revenue grew to $29.1 billion from $24.6 billion. Hardware sales figures include peripherals, while software sales figures include in-game purchases and subscriptions.
In total, US videogame industry revenue grew by 18% in 2017, a difference of $5.6 billion compared to 2016.
“The spectacular growth of our industry in 2017 proves videogame
developers, artists, and storytellers are the brightest lights in the US
economy, finding more ways to delight the world’s 2.6 billion gamers
each year,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA, which
represents the US videogame industry. “Congratulations to our
industry’s brilliant creators on delivering another record year of
remarkable entertainment that inspired the passion of gamers everywhere.”
