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July NPD Charts Reveal Growth For 3DS, But Few New Software Entries
The latest sales numbers offer a glimpse into a solid midsummer of video game sales for late in a console generation, even if there weren't a lot of new surprises.
Overall video game sales were down 19% in July 2013, from $549.1 million to $443 million according to the most recent report from the NPD group, but it's worth noting that this initial July report does not include information on purchases outside of the retail realm, such as used games or digital purchases.
The 3DS is proving itself over time, continuing its third consecutive month leading hardware sales, and becoming the only video game hardware platform that is selling better in July 2013 than July 2012.
Meanwhile, the top ten list of video game sales offers few surprises or new additions, with the exception of July's number one entry -- NCAA Football 14. However, even that success is not as strong as last year's iteration of the franchise.
Interestingly, NPD also notes that it has continued to see "strong growth in point and subscription cards compared to last year; this July represents the best July for point and subscription cards on record," indicating that a number of gamers were capitalizing on the dearth in retail releases to explore digital game releases, DLC, and other online gaming options.
Here's the Top Ten List for July 2013:
1. NCAA Footbal 14 (360, PS3)
2. Minecraft (360)
3. The Last of Us (PS3)
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (360, PS3, Wii U, PC)
5. Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS)
6. Far Cry 3 (360, PS3, PC)
7. Battlefield 3 (360, PS3, PC)
8. Injustice: Gods Among Us (360,PS3, Wii U)
9. NBA 2K13 (360, PS3, Wii, Wii U, PSP, PC)
10. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (360, Wii, Nintendo DS, PS3, 3DS, Wii U, Vita, PC)
Our Take:
July is rarely a month
of scintillating video game sales, and July 2013 is no exception. However, we
should be hesitant to see too much doom and gloom in the slightly lower numbers; with new consoles on the horizon, it's to be expected that both hardware and
software sales right now might not be in full swing, as publishers and developers alike prepare their first salvos in the next-gen war.
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