Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[NPD: More people spending more time gaming online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/npd-more-people-spending-more-time-gaming-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/npd-more-people-spending-more-time-gaming-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/npd-more-people-spending-more-time-gaming-online/#comments
It may sound like a foregone conclusion, but the NPD Group has proven (with maths) that more people are spending more time playing video games online, at least compared to last year. The study, titled "Online Gaming 2013," poled 8,867 folks above the age of two and found that 72 percent of game-playing individuals played online - a five percent increase over 2012.

The average amount of time spent gaming online per week also increased by six percent, though the NPD Group did not disclose a specific figure for that statistic. PCs had the largest majority of online users at 68 percent - meanwhile, mobile online gaming saw a year-over-year increase of 12 percent.

The NPD Group did not list any reasons for the overall year-over-year increase in online gaming, but we're going to go out on a limb and guess that, by and large, it's because the world is mostly a terrible place full of awful people that should be avoided at all costs. Either that, or Steam sales.

Continue reading NPD: More people spending more time gaming online

JoystiqNPD: More people spending more time gaming online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>multiplayerNPDnpd-grouponlinestatisticsThu, 02 May 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Digital game sales growing year-over-year 33 percent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/npd-digital-game-sales-growing-year-over-year-33-percent/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/npd-digital-game-sales-growing-year-over-year-33-percent/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/npd-digital-game-sales-growing-year-over-year-33-percent/#comments Digital games and downloadable content sales are growing at a rate of 33 percent year over year in the US and Europe, according to data presented by NPD, iResearch and Digi-Capital analysts at GDC. The speakers at the digital games sales talk noted that sales in China are expected to grow over 10 percent every year for the next three years.

According to GamesIndustry International, NPD analyst Liam Callahan told attendees that digital game content sales in 2012 reached $5.9 billion in the United States. Sales in the UK reached $1.7 billion, followed by Germany with $1.4 billion and France with $1 billion. Callahan also said that digital content composes 40 percent of the United States' total spend on games, an increase from 28 percent in 2010.

NPD estimated that 48 percent ($7.1 billion) of the $14.8 billion spent on games in the US in 2012 came from purchases on brand new games at retail. The other 51 percent was from digital games and downloadable content ($2.22 billion), mobile game sales ($2.11 billion), used game sales ($1.59 billion), subscriptions ($1.05 billion), social network gaming ($544 million) and rentals ($198 million). The NPD also reported a drop in used game sales from 2011 by 17.1 percent.

JoystiqNPD: Digital game sales growing year-over-year 33 percent originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionDLCGDCGDC-2013liam-callahannpdnpd-groupsalessubscriptionsused-gamesSat, 30 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[October NPD: Downward trend continues, NBA 2K13 dunks at the top]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/october-npd-downward-trend-continues-nba-2k13-dunks-to-the-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/october-npd-downward-trend-continues-nba-2k13-dunks-to-the-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/october-npd-downward-trend-continues-nba-2k13-dunks-to-the-top/#comments Based on the NPD's purview, the physical sales sector of the video game industry continued its downward year-over-year trend as October came and went, raking in $755.5 million for the period ending on October 27, as compared with the straight-up $1 billion the industry earned during the same period in 2011.

Despite the 25 percent difference, however, momentum is building towards the holiday buying season, according to NPD Group analyst Liam Callahan: "While we saw declines in hardware unit sales across all platforms year-over-year, when looking at average sales per week versus September, several consoles realized higher sales: The 360, PS3, NDS and 3DS. This is a sign of increasing momentum as we move into the holiday season."

Hardware sales themselves accounted for $187.3 million of October's overall figure, a 37 percent decrease over October 2011's $295.9 million. As usual, the Xbox 360 was the top-selling hardware platform and claimed more than 40 percent of the market, according to Major Nelson.

Accessories continue to be the only field of growth in the physical channel, pulling down a five percent increase in October 2012 over October 2011 ($135.6 million and $129.6, respectively). As has been the case in months past, Skylanders toys and digital currency giftcards are primarily responsible for this segment's prosperity.

Portable software sales were up 37 percent in comparison with last October thanks to the release of Pokémon Black & White 2, though the rest of the segment failed to best the curve and was down overall by 25 percent. October 2011's software figure of $576.8 million was bolstered by the release of both Battlefield 3 and Batman: Arkham City; since comparable heavy-hitters were missing from this October's release schedule, software sales total at $432.6 million.

October's top 10 best-selling games are lead by NBA 2K13, which "outsold last year's 2K12 by over 60 percent in both dollars and units," according to Callahan. As per usual, the full list can be found after the break.

Continue reading October NPD: Downward trend continues, NBA 2K13 dunks at the top

JoystiqOctober NPD: Downward trend continues, NBA 2K13 dunks at the top originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfiguresfinancialsmacmicrosoftnintendoNPDnpd-groupoctober-npdpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawiixboxThu, 08 Nov 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gibeau says EA mostly ignores NPD reports; NPD knows 'for a fact' major publishers use them]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/gibeau-says-ea-mostly-ignores-npd-reports-npd-knows-for-a-fact/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/gibeau-says-ea-mostly-ignores-npd-reports-npd-knows-for-a-fact/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/gibeau-says-ea-mostly-ignores-npd-reports-npd-knows-for-a-fact/#comments EA's Frank Gibeau NPDs are 'irrelevant' for not tracking digital salesLast year EA went on record calling the NPD's sales reports "a misrepresentation of the entire industry," and this year EA Labels president Frank Gibeau is taking that sentiment one step further, saying EA largely ignores NPD reports.

"An occasional bad report from NPD, which measures a sliver of what's actually happening in gaming, gives people an erroneous impression," Gibeau tells Games Industry International. "My point is it's an irrelevant measure on the industry. It's totally irrelevant. We don't even really look at it internally anymore."

NPD reports track retail games sales from stores such as GameStop and Wal-Mart, but don't provide a comparable breakdown of digital sales. In Q4 2012, EA saw digital sales generate $419 million, while packaged goods made more than double that, with $949 million.

David McQuillan, president of NPD Games, is "surprised" by Gibeau's comments for a few reasons, provided in a statement to Joystiq. The first: "While we will not comment on the specifics on our long-standing relationship with EA, we can say with confidence that we have daily dealings with all of our major publisher clients. And we know for a fact they're using the data."

The second reason McQuillan cites is the continued prevalence of physical sales, making up 56 percent of industry sales in 2011. "The current games industry is still largely rooted in retail and any industry player involved with AAA content simply can't take their eye away from the retail environment," he writes.

NPD Group's David Riley adds, "We do cover digital. Granted, it's not near the level of granularity that we provide via physical point of sale, but physical POS is still huge and needs to be taken seriously. In my opinion, you do a disservice to our industry when you dismiss the value of retail sales research."

EA's Digital sales are growing rapidly, Gibeau says, and EA is focused on riding that streaming, cloud-based, downloadable wave into the future, with or without NPD sales reports.

"We're going to be a 100 percent digital company, period," he says. "It's going to be there some day. It's inevitable."

JoystiqGibeau says EA mostly ignores NPD reports; NPD knows 'for a fact' major publishers use them originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clouddigitaldigital-distributionmacmicrosoftmobilenintendonpdnpd-grouppcplaystationps3salesstreamingwiixboxMon, 02 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD estimates $3.40B in game sales in Q1 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/npd-estimates-3-40b-in-game-sales-in-q1-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/npd-estimates-3-40b-in-game-sales-in-q1-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/npd-estimates-3-40b-in-game-sales-in-q1-2012/#comments Market research firm NPD Group has released a handful of details about the video game industry's most recent spending habits, showing a sharp decline. Compared to last year's Q1 2011 estimation of $5.9 billion, total consumer spend in the first quarter of 2012 was down to $3.40 billion. With rapidly declining sales, things may continue to get worse before they recover.

The 'Q1 2012 Games Market Dynamics: U.S.' report reveals that while spend on new physical software was on the decline versus last year - with Q1 2012 achieving an estimated $1.5 billion spent on new video and PC game software tracked by the NPD Group - total spend on other forms of physical software, such as used games and rentals, only saw a minimal drop.

"The declines in the physical market for new physical software are well documented," NPD analyst Anita Frazier said, noting that "broader view of the industry" showed other forms of physical spend, specifically the used game and rental market, "declined by just five percent and digital format content sales grew by 10 percent as compared to Q1 2011." The one-two punch of used games and rentals reached an estimated $525 million in Q1 2012, the report says.

"While the growth in digital format sales does not yet offset the declines in physical format sales, clearly the changes occurring within the industry are reflected in the trends we are seeing in the research," Frazier added.

Continue reading NPD estimates $3.40B in game sales in Q1 2012

JoystiqNPD estimates $3.40B in game sales in Q1 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAnita-FraziermicrosoftnintendoNPDNPD-Grouppcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sales-datavitawiixboxMon, 02 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/#comments Every month, the NPD Group releases a report on the previous month's US sales in the game industry, both consoles and software. While that monthly report is already "projected to 100% of the market," according to NPD Group's David Riley, next month, it'll get bolstered by the nation's largest retailer: Walmart. Despite being revealed this past February, the past several months of NPD reports haven't included Walmart's numbers.

"Our enhanced retail coverage, including the addition of several new retailers, begins with May data released on Thursday, June 14," Riley told me in an email yesterday. While he couldn't supply a list of all of the retailers involved, he told me, "Yes, it does include Walmart."

With any luck, the addition of Walmart to NPD's stable of retailers reporting - which already includes America's largest game retailer, GameStop - will help to thwart claims of NPD being a "very poor indicator of the industry's performance." Then again, between the lack of digital sales accounted for in NPD's monthly report and the urge of publishers to spin poor sales numbers, those complaints likely won't stop anytime soon.

JoystiqNPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdavid-rileydsmicrosoftnintendonpdnpd-groupplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonythe-npd-groupvitawal-martwalmartwiiwii-uxboxThu, 24 May 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/#comments Assassination and dancing has proven to be a lucrative mix, as Just Dance 2 and 3 and Assassin's Creed: Revelations helped Ubisoft to lead this year's best seller's list with three entries. That's according to the NPD Group, which also estimates the video game industry's profits, comprising "new physical video and PC games, used games, game rentals, subscriptions, digital full-game downloads, social network games, downloadable content, and mobile games," reached sales of somewhere between $16.3 and $16.6 billion in 2011.

Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 took top honors (it's kind of a big deal), while Just Dance 3 and Skyrim occupied the second and third spots, respectively. NPD also says that, despite sales growth in the digital sector yet again, physical copies offered at retail outlets still accounted for the majority of sales coming in at $9.3 billion, "an 8 percent decline over the $10.1 billion in 2010."

That decline was "partially" offset by increases in digital, mobile, and used game sales, which NPD expects to be a focus moving into 2012. "Our overall estimate of the market continues to point toward the increased imperative for deeper visibility into digital distribution than is available today, not only in the U.S. but globally," said NPD prez David McQuillan. Our waning shelf space agrees.

Continue reading NPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list

JoystiqNPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionandroidassassins-creed-revelationscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3david-mcquillandsiosipadiphonejust-dance-2just-dance-3kinectmacmicrosoftmobilemodern-warfare-3movenintendonpdnpd-2011npd-grouppcplaystationps3pspskyrimsonyubisoftwiixboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[August NPD: Annual sales drop again, Deus Ex augments the top spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/august-npd-annual-sales-drop-again-deus-ex-augments-the-top-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/august-npd-annual-sales-drop-again-deus-ex-augments-the-top-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/august-npd-annual-sales-drop-again-deus-ex-augments-the-top-sp/#comments We're starting to see a trend develop -- a super, super disheartening trend. According to the NPD group, total sales in the U.S. gaming industry dropped 23 percent year-over-year during the month of August; almost exactly the same amount sales declined in July. NPD's Anita Frazier explained, "the bulk of the decline can be attributed to the shift of the annual Madden release from August to September." (The NPD actually counts August 30 as part of September, which seems pretty zany.)

Gaming hardware saw an increase in sales over July, largely fueled by the price cuts endured by the 3DS and PlayStation 3. According to a memo sent out by Nintendo following the NPD report, the 3DS discount moved 185,000 consoles from August 12 through the end of the month. This wave managed to increase dollar and unit sales of handheld hardware to a year-over-year increase over August 2010, which bucks the downward trend followed by the rest of the industry. Hooray for discrete electronics!

Surprisingly, the top-selling game for August was Deus Ex: Human Revolution, which was only on store shelves for five days during the NPD's tracking window. The group doesn't expect the augmented title to rollover its reign into September, instead expecting Madden to reign supreme. Check out August's Top 10 software performers after the jump!

Continue reading August NPD: Annual sales drop again, Deus Ex augments the top spot

JoystiqAugust NPD: Annual sales drop again, Deus Ex augments the top spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaugustaugust-2011deus-ex-human-revolutiondsmicrosoftnintendonpdnpd-groupnpd-monthlyplaystationprice-cutps3pspsonywiixboxThu, 08 Sep 2011 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD acknowledges 'confusion' during industry's 'unprecedented transformation']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/npd-acknowledges-confusion-during-industrys-unprecedented-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/npd-acknowledges-confusion-during-industrys-unprecedented-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/npd-acknowledges-confusion-during-industrys-unprecedented-tr/#commentsThe NPD has taken several hits, mostly during investment calls and meetings we've attended over the past year, about its lack of digital distribution sales reporting. This week's quote from EA that the company's data is a "misrepresentation of the entire industry" really pushed the conversation into the public.

In response, the NPD reiterated its plans to include monthly digital sales data in its reporting to clients, something the company originally said it was working on in October 2010.

"We continue to progress those plans but at this time we're not changing anything with regard to what we're reporting," NPD analyst Anita Frazier explained to us today. "Until we have something new to announce in terms of our reporting, we will continue to report on new physical retail sales on a monthly basis. This represents about 60-70 percent of the consumer spend on the industry. Quarterly we will release a total for our estimate on the consumer spend on content outside of traditional retail and that includes used game sales, full game and add-on content digital downloads, subscriptions, rentals, mobile apps and social network gaming."

Frazier expressed that its reporting does not include revenues generated by advertising or promotional offers, but the goal is for NPD to have a comprehensive report for its clients that will cover "consumer spend" on a monthly basis.

Continue reading NPD acknowledges 'confusion' during industry's 'unprecedented transformation'

JoystiqNPD acknowledges 'confusion' during industry's 'unprecedented transformation' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondsmicrosoftnintendoNPDnpd-groupplaystationps3pspsalessonywiixboxThu, 17 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 moves 560,500 units in December, 1.14 million sold between Nov. and Dec.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/gran-turismo-5-moves-560-500-units-in-december-1-14-million-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/gran-turismo-5-moves-560-500-units-in-december-1-14-million-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/gran-turismo-5-moves-560-500-units-in-december-1-14-million-sol/#comments Despite not making December's NPD top 10 list, Gran Turismo 5 sold 560,500 units last month in the US and Canada. IndustryGamers got the number straight from the NPD Group -- a number which looks like an apparent dropoff from Sony's late November launch numbers, which heralded 5.5 million units shipped worldwide, 1.25 million of which were in North America alone.

And hey, let's not kid ourselves: a good amount of December's "sales" figures are also accounted for in November's "shipped" figures. All of them, in fact -- 1.14 million copies of Gran Turismo 5 have been sold in the US and Canada thus far, a representative from NPD told us this afternoon, leaving approximately 110K copies from the initial shipment still on store shelves.

That said, plans for periodic support in GT5 were highlighted by developer Polyphony Digital as recently as last month. Add that to the fact that the 2011 Formula One season is just around the corner, and we'd say it's likely that racing fans will continue to pick up the game as early 2011 progresses.

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 moves 560,500 units in December, 1.14 million sold between Nov. and Dec. originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gran-Turismo-5npdnpd-groupplaystationpolyphony-digitalps3racingsalesscesimulationsony-computer-entertainmentFri, 14 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops, Madden lead NPD's top 2010 physical game sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/black-ops-madden-lead-npds-top-2010-physical-game-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/black-ops-madden-lead-npds-top-2010-physical-game-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/black-ops-madden-lead-npds-top-2010-physical-game-sales/#comments Great news! Remember last January, when you attempted to convince friends of your latent psychic ability by writing down the names of the top 10 best-selling games of the following year, when in all actuality, you were just using your knowledge of the gaming industry and its consumers? Well, you were totally right: The NPD Group's recently unveiled ranking of bestsellers looks pretty much how you'd expect, with Call of Duty: Black Ops ringing in at first place, while Madden NFL 11 and Halo: Reach came in at second and third, respectively.

You can check out the rest of the top 10 after the jump, though you could probably fill in the rest of the blanks using raw intuition. Here, give it a try. Yup. Yeah. Uh-huh. Yes, that too. Huh? Split/Second? Nope. Oh, but if wishing made it so.

Continue reading Black Ops, Madden lead NPD's top 2010 physical game sales

JoystiqBlack Ops, Madden lead NPD's top 2010 physical game sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-black-opsdshalo-reachmadden-nfl-11microsoftnintendonpd-grouppcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxThu, 13 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New NPD report to factor in digital, used, mobile and rental sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/new-npd-report-to-factor-in-digital-used-mobile-and-rental-sal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/new-npd-report-to-factor-in-digital-used-mobile-and-rental-sal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/new-npd-report-to-factor-in-digital-used-mobile-and-rental-sal/#commentsChanges to the NPD Group's reporting practices sent a few waves through the game industry earlier this month. Now, NPD's Anita Frazier has explained some of the reasoning behind the change. Frazier notes that NPD has "long acknowledged" that its coverage of only "new physical sales of hardware, software and accessories" doesn't accurately represent consumer spending in the game industry. Furthermore, with new physical sales dwindling this year, Frazier notes that the old NPD reporting practices "caused unnecessary angst" for many industry followers.

In other words, sales of physical game copies simply don't account for all the money pumped into the industry anymore. As such, the NPD will soon release the debut issue of its new report, Games Industry: Total Consumer Spend. While the report still includes data on sales of new games, accessories and hardware, it will also feature data on "used games, rentals, mobile apps, social network games, and digitally acquired content in the U.S."

NPD has had plans to track downloadable sales for over a year now, though this marks the first time we've heard of plans to track so many other forms of spending. Depending on how comprehensive the report is, it could have hefty ramifications for anyone looking to follow industry trends.

JoystiqNew NPD report to factor in digital, used, mobile and rental sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdownloadabledownloadable-contentdsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendonpdnpd-grouppcplaystationps3psprentalsocial-gamessonyused-gameswiixboxWed, 20 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD changes monthly reporting, removes hardware and software unit sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/npd-changes-monthly-reporting-removes-hardware-and-software-uni/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/npd-changes-monthly-reporting-removes-hardware-and-software-uni/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/npd-changes-monthly-reporting-removes-hardware-and-software-uni/#commentsFiled under: , ,

NPD's monthly public report on video game software and hardware sales in the US will change this month. The most noticeable alteration will be the removal of hardware and software unit sales. The company will still provide a monthly list of the top ten selling "physical purchases" (i.e. brick-and-mortar retail) on consoles, but by title and not by individual platform SKUs -- meaning multi-platorm games will be clumped in one sum. The company will also continue to provide notes from its analyst, which may contain software sales figures. If this format seems familiar... congratulations, you're a reader of the weekly UK Chart-Track sales data.

NPD notes that the company's hardware and software subscribers "are permitted to release sales figures for their respective products." So, if Microsoft and Sony want to share hardware figures, but Nintendo doesn't, ain't nobody who can give out that data but the House of Mario.

NPD tried a similar tactic back in 2007, which lasted all of six days. As we said back then: "There's always a hunger for this data and if the NPD isn't going to give it up, people might just turn to less reputable sources."

JoystiqNPD changes monthly reporting, removes hardware and software unit sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsmicrosoftnintendoNPDnpd-groupplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxTue, 12 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD issues outlook for consumers' holiday shopping habits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/npd-issues-outlook-for-consumers-holiday-shopping-habits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/npd-issues-outlook-for-consumers-holiday-shopping-habits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/npd-issues-outlook-for-consumers-holiday-shopping-habits/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The NPD Group recently conducted a poll among American consumers to track their "spending intentions" for the rapidly approaching holiday shopping rush. Of the poll's 2,003 participants, 9 percent said they plan to spend more money than they did last holiday season (down from 11 percent in 2009), 61 percent said they plan to spend the same (up from 59 percent) and the number of people who plan to spend less than they did last year remained steady at 30 percent. A responsible 30 percent.

The poll also inquired what hot items would end up in respondents' checkout baskets -- 15 percent of those polled said they were planning on purchasing video games, a 5 percent decrease from last year. We know what you're thinking: "If people aren't buying video games, they're probably buying fragrances, right?" Wrong. Fragrances fell from 19 percent to 13 percent. Seeing as how those two items are consistently all we ask for during the holidays, we're not sure what everyone else is dropping their cash on.

JoystiqNPD issues outlook for consumers' holiday shopping habits originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holidaysnpd-groupsalesshoppingFri, 08 Oct 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Red Steel 2 sold 50,000 copies through April 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/npd-red-steel-2-sold-50-000-copies-through-april-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/npd-red-steel-2-sold-50-000-copies-through-april-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/npd-red-steel-2-sold-50-000-copies-through-april-3/#comments Based on NPD figures (via Kotaku), Ubisoft's sequel, Red Steel 2, managed to sell 50,000 copies in its debut month of March -- up until the end of the NPD's catalog period, April 3. Admittedly the game was released at the tail-end of the month on March 23, but we'd still classify the sales as "decent."

A Ubisoft representative broke it down to Kotaku like so: "Considering that the NPD sales only accounted for 12 days on the store shelves and that NPD doesn't include all retailers we are looking forward to a complete month of sales data to see where we stand." We're anxious to see how it'll do in April and suggest you sheathe your "it's on Wii so it won't sell" sword until the April NPDs arrive.

JoystiqNPD: Red Steel 2 sold 50,000 copies through April 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Nintendonpdnpd-groupred-steelred-steel-2ubisoftWiiSat, 17 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD lists top-selling games of 2009 in US -- excluding December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/npd-lists-top-selling-games-of-2009-in-us-excluding-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/npd-lists-top-selling-games-of-2009-in-us-excluding-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/npd-lists-top-selling-games-of-2009-in-us-excluding-december/#comments The NPD Group, which tracks sales of games in the US, handed over a list of the top 10 selling games this year through November to IndustryGamers. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on Xbox 360 dominates the top spot with 4.2 million copies sold, while the PS3 version slips in at eighth place -- considering the data only goes up to November, a quick look at last month's NPDs could have told you as much.

The only other non-Nintendo titles at the top are Halo 3: ODST with 2 million and Madden NFL 10 on Xbox 360 with 1.5 million at the six and nine spots, respectively. Otherwise, Nintendo owns this list with first-party titles. If you're prepared to gaze upon the stunning sales Nintendo had in 2009, head on over to IndustryGamers for the data.

JoystiqNPD lists top-selling games of 2009 in US -- excluding December originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdatahalo-3-odstmadden-nfl-10modern-warfare-2nintendonpdnpd-groupsaleswii-fitwii-motion-plusMon, 14 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD study finds 40% of recent game purchases were impulse-driven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/npd-study-finds-40-of-recent-game-purchases-were-impulse-driven/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/npd-study-finds-40-of-recent-game-purchases-were-impulse-driven/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/npd-study-finds-40-of-recent-game-purchases-were-impulse-driven/#comments
An NPD Group study, using our Canadian brothers and sisters as guinea pigs, has apparently determined that 40 percent of game buyers purchased on impulse (no, not Stardock's Impulse) in the last six months. GI.biz reports that the study found the driving factor for these losses in willpower were pretty packaging, online accessibility and cheaper pre-owned titles.

NPD's Matthew Tattle notes that it's surprising to find impulse purchasing going on during a recession, but that "it's clear that hardcore gamers will find a way to satisfy their need for something new, different and enjoyable." Or, maybe, their ADD is just kicking in and they can't focus on the fact that we're in a recession?

The average impulse purchase was under $27 (USD), as compared to the average $42 planned purchase. The study also found that females were more likely to buy on impulse and that 15 percent of purchases were made through online transactions. So, apparently some impulse purchases were on Impulse.

JoystiqNPD study finds 40% of recent game purchases were impulse-driven originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaimpulsenpdnpd-groupresearchstudyFri, 16 Oct 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD provides stats on game promotion, platform cross-ownership]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/npd-provides-stats-on-game-promotion-platform-cross-ownership/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/npd-provides-stats-on-game-promotion-platform-cross-ownership/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/npd-provides-stats-on-game-promotion-platform-cross-ownership/#comments
 The NPD Group's steady stream of gaming industry studies continues today with a fascinating look at the game purchasing community. Here's the most surprising statistic to come from the study -- in a poll asking what methods gaming enthusiasts used to gather information about new titles, 41 percent of participants chose the "word of mouth" response. This far outweighs the ratio of gamers who draw information from advertisements, social networking sites and hands-on time with games at a friend or relatives' house.

The other bit of information (which will likely serve as ammunition in some misguided fanboy war) is a chart showing a breakdown of gaming console cross-ownership. It goes like this: Nearly 40 percent of PS3 owners also own Wiis or Xbox 360s, 18 percent of Xbox 360 owners have PS3s, and few Wii owners also possess 360s (26 percent) or PS3s (14 percent).

To see this information presented in a manner that doesn't resemble the makings of an SAT Prep logic puzzle, check out the NPD Group's press release.
[Image]

JoystiqNPD provides stats on game promotion, platform cross-ownership originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-ownershipMicrosoftNintendonpdnpd-grouppromotionstudysurveyWiiword-of-mouthXbox-360Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Households with kids still the biggest game purchasers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/npd-households-with-kids-still-the-biggest-game-purchasers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/npd-households-with-kids-still-the-biggest-game-purchasers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/npd-households-with-kids-still-the-biggest-game-purchasers/#comments
Though the median age of video gamers has increased dramatically over the past decade, a recent report from the NPD Group shows that youngsters still possess a great deal of market dominance -- according to the study, households with children ages 12 and under constitute 45 percent of the gaming industry's total sales. Considering these tweens only make up 17 percent of the U.S. population, that's a fairly large chunk of selling power.

Still, it's tough to completely trust these numbers -- as we all know, 13-year-olds are vile, fraudulent creatures who are quick to shave a few years off their age in the pursuit of pure vanity. Just be yourself, 13-year-olds. You've got plenty of good years ahead of you.

JoystiqNPD: Households with kids still the biggest game purchasers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>industrymarkenpdnpd-groupsalestweensFri, 11 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft retail sales reach 8.6 million units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/world-of-warcraft-retail-sales-reach-8-6-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/world-of-warcraft-retail-sales-reach-8-6-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/world-of-warcraft-retail-sales-reach-8-6-million-units/#comments
Yes, yes -- we're all impressed with how fast the audience for relative newcomer Free Realms is expanding. However, one cannot forget that Free Realms is, in fact, free. The original rapidly expanding MMO, World of Warcraft, costs actual money, and now we have a rough idea of how much moolah Blizzard's cash cow has raked in. According to the NPD Group's calculations, the core game, the two expansions and the WoW Battle Chest have sold a total of 8.6 million copies at retail in America.

Gamasutra estimates that this figure equals about $258 million for Blizzard from WoW's U.S. retail sales. Of course, the company is really making bank off the $15 that its 11.5 million subscribers dish out every month -- but $258 million is nothing to scoff at. Unless you're like, the Jonas Brothers or something.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft retail sales reach 8.6 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardburning-crusadeexpansionmmonpd-grouppcretailworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Video gaming surpasses moviegoing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/npd-video-gaming-surpasses-moviegoing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/npd-video-gaming-surpasses-moviegoing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/npd-video-gaming-surpasses-moviegoing/#comments
Are you puzzled as to why visionary director Steven Spielberg recently made the leap from managing motion pictures to creating block-n-ball Wii games? The answer can be found in a recent NPD study: According to the NPD research group, 63 percent of Americans have played a video game in the past six months -- but only 53 percent of Americans went out to the movies over the same time period. Mr. Spielberg is jumping off a burning ship.

Do you realize what this means? We're winning. We're not sure what we're winning, but surely someone, somewhere, was arguing about why video games are better than films. The NPD just supplied this lone crusader with an invaluable piece of empirical evidence. Keep the fire, brother. Your hour of victory draws near.

For more stats about how great video games are, check out the NPD's full report.

JoystiqNPD: Video gaming surpasses moviegoing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>filmmoviesnpdnpd-groupreportstudyvideo-gamesWed, 20 May 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD survey says: Game spending to stay strong in '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/npd-survey-says-game-spending-to-stay-strong-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/npd-survey-says-game-spending-to-stay-strong-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/npd-survey-says-game-spending-to-stay-strong-in-09/#comments
We'll be straight with you, folks: We don't really like surveys or statistics all that much. So when the NPD talks to 10,000 US citizens about their entertainment consumption and spending, we're inclined to be highly suspicious of any conclusions it may arrive at (after all, that's less than one percent of the US population). That being said, the NPD's latest poll found that, of those 10,000 people, 65 percent are currently willing to spend "the same or more" this year on video games as they did in 2008.

Seems as though even in tough economic times, consumers gravitate towards entertainment to take their minds off of duckets (or their lack thereof). "Most consumers say they'll continue to purchase at least the same amount of many entertainment categories in the coming year," NPD analyst Russ Crupnick says, remaining positive on the future viability of entertainment sales in general. We're hoping -- for our sake as well -- his assessment pans out.

[Via MCV]

JoystiqNPD survey says: Game spending to stay strong in '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economygamestopmcvnpdnpd-groupruss-crupnickstatisticsusThu, 16 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD Group: Wii Fit has outsold Halo 3 ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/21/npd-group-wii-fit-has-outsold-halo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/21/npd-group-wii-fit-has-outsold-halo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/21/npd-group-wii-fit-has-outsold-halo-3/#comments
If you were still wondering how wide the mainstream appeal for Nintendo's hyper-successful Wii Fit actually is, here's a good example. The NPD Group recently confirmed to Kotaku that in addition to its first place finish in the February NPD charts, Wii Fit broke the 6 million sales mark, pushing it past Halo 3's 5.9 million copies sold. A fairly remarkable feat, considering Bungie's opus has been on the market 8 months longer than Wii Fit -- and for $30 cheaper, to boot. Pehaps if Halo 3 did more to help shed them chunky pounds, it'd still be in the lead.

JoystiqNPD Group: Wii Fit has outsold Halo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalo-3Microsoftnintendonpdnpd-groupsalesWiiwii-fitXbox-360Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Dawn of War II topples the Lich King in first week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/npd-dawn-of-war-ii-topples-the-lich-king-in-first-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/npd-dawn-of-war-ii-topples-the-lich-king-in-first-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/npd-dawn-of-war-ii-topples-the-lich-king-in-first-week/#comments
As reported last week by GI.biz, the NPD Group revealed THQ's new RTS, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II, had topped PC sales for the week ending February 21 -- knocking World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King down to second place in the process. We'd analyze the data ... only there is no data to analyze; the NPD Group didn't include unit sales on its list. So, the lingering question remains: Is Dawn of War II a new trend in PC sales or was this simply a surge for a new -- and anticipated -- title?

That's a question which can't be answered until new data -- hopefully with numbers -- shows us second-week sales of the game. THQ is in dire need of a cash injection after a February announcement in which company announced plans to axe 600 jobs and analyst rumblings it has a 50% chance of bankruptcy. However, after a week's worth of sales and toppling the current (Lich) king of the PC market, it is possible that the publisher may not have such "mediocre product" as analyst Mike Hickey once theorized -- and, if all else fails, it could always unleash 50 Cent.

JoystiqNPD: Dawn of War II topples the Lich King in first week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdawn-of-war-2npdnpd-groupsalesthqTue, 03 Mar 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5 selling games in 2008 across global markets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/top-5-selling-games-in-2008-across-global-markets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/top-5-selling-games-in-2008-across-global-markets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/top-5-selling-games-in-2008-across-global-markets/#comments
NPD, GfK Chart-Track and Enterbrain have combined video game software sales lists for the respective regions they cover to declare Mario Kart Wii as the top selling game of 2008. Games sales across the "world's three largest games markets" saw an 11% increase, totaling 409.9 million units last year.

Top five selling games for US, UK and Japan combined:
  1. Mario Kart Wii - 8.94 million
  2. Wii Fit - 8.31 million
  3. Grand Theft Auto IV - 7.29 million
  4. Super Smash Bros. Brawl - 6.32 million
  5. Call of Duty: World at War - 5.89 million
The rankings are almost identical to Edge's "guesstimate" sales list released last week, which included all of Europe, but not Japan. Overall, the US and UK markets saw increases of 15% and 26%, respectively. The Japanese market saw a 13% decline in software sales, which Enterbrain explains has little to do with the current generation of consoles, but is due to the 46% software sales drop on the PS2. Check out the chart after the break for a regional dissection of the software ranks.

Continue reading Top 5 selling games in 2008 across global markets

JoystiqTop 5 selling games in 2008 across global markets originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008call-of-duty-world-at-warchart-trackenterbraingrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivNintendonpdnpd-groupsalestop-5Wiiworld-at-warMon, 02 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[November NPD: Wii breaks 2m, Gears 2 breaks 1.5m ... what recession?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/november-npd-wii-breaks-2m-gears-2-breaks-1-5m-what-recess/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/november-npd-wii-breaks-2m-gears-2-breaks-1-5m-what-recess/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/november-npd-wii-breaks-2m-gears-2-breaks-1-5m-what-recess/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Despite all the talk of recessions and global economic crises (crisises?), the video game industry once again seems unfazed. According to the NPD Group, North American industry sales totaled $2.91 billion for November, approximately 10% higher than the same month last year. Of that, $1.45b came from software while hardware took in $1.21b and accessories $255.4 million. As you can see below, the big winners of the month were the Wii (average to 68K sold per day!) followed by the DS (avg. 52K daily). For the fourth month in a row, the Xbox 360 has outsold the PlayStation 3, and has sold double that of Sony's console for the eighth month in the two-year battle.

On the software side of things, Gears of War 2 must be very pleased with itself, with Marcus Fenix and the gang selling 1.56 million units - that's four times as many copies as Nathan Hale's Resistance 2 - securing the top spot for November. But not so fast, Delta Squad! Factoring in both "next-gen" platforms, Call of Duty: World at War sold an incredible 2 million units, with the Xbox 360 release commanding an impressive 70% of those numbers. Check full software sales numbers after the break.

- Wii: 2.04m 1.237m (154%)
- DS: 1.57m 1.079m (220%)
- Xbox 360: 836K 465K (125%)
- PSP: 421K 228K (118%)
- PS3: 378K 188K (99%)
- PS2: 206K 70K (51%)

Continue reading November NPD: Wii breaks 2m, Gears 2 breaks 1.5m ... what recession?

JoystiqNovember NPD: Wii breaks 2m, Gears 2 breaks 1.5m ... what recession? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsDShardwaresalesjs-twitternorth-america-salesnpdnpd-groupPCPS2PS3PSPus-salesWiiXbox-360Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:59:00 EST<![CDATA[October NPD: Wii up, Sony down, Fable 2 raking in the gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/october-npd-wii-up-sony-down-fable-2-raking-in-the-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/october-npd-wii-up-sony-down-fable-2-raking-in-the-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/october-npd-wii-up-sony-down-fable-2-raking-in-the-gold/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

October hardware sales in North America were not good for Sony, with all three of its consoles seeing at least an 18% drop, according to this month's NPD report. The Nintendo Wii maintained its top spot with a 17% increase in sales, likely due to an increase in supply, while Xbox 360's price drop acted as the likely catalyst for its 6.85% increase.

Overall, total sales reached $1.31 billion, an increase of 18%. While accessories dropped 8% to 120.19 million, hardware increased 5% to $494.74m and software sales increased 35% to $696.79m. Fable 2 took the top spot, selling an impressive 790K copies after only ten days of release. Speaking of software, Fallout 3, which we know has moved 4.7 million units worldwide, placed third for the Xbox 360 with 375K.

Not making it into the top ten? Wii Music, which sold a disappointing 81K in its first 11 days of launch. That wouldn't have made the top ten for any NPD report this year.

- Wii: 803K 116K (16.89%)
- DS: 491K 45.8K (-8.53%)
- Xbox 360: 371K 23.8K (6.85%)
- PSP: 193K 45.1K (-18.94%)
- PS3: 190K 42.4K (-18.24%)
- PS2: 136K 37.5K (-21.61%)

Full software sales after the break.

Continue reading October NPD: Wii up, Sony down, Fable 2 raking in the gold

JoystiqOctober NPD: Wii up, Sony down, Fable 2 raking in the gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionbreakingnewsDSfablefable-iihardwaresalesjs-twitterlionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-Studiosnpdnpd-groupPS2PS3PSPRPGWiiXbox-360Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Top 5 best-selling PS3 games from January to August 08]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-top-5-best-selling-ps3-games-from-january-to-august-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-top-5-best-selling-ps3-games-from-january-to-august-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-top-5-best-selling-ps3-games-from-january-to-august-08/#commentsFiled under:


The NPD, in collaboration with Gamasutra, disclosed the top 5 bestsellers for each platform today, including the PS3. Without further ado, let's take a look at what they are:
  1. Grand Theft Auto IV
  2. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
  3. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
  4. Madden NFL 09
  5. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue
Note that specific sales numbers were not provided and the final tally does not include any collector's editions, games sold via digital distribution or games bundled with a system.

No one is really surprised that GTA IV, MGS4 and Madden 09 made it to the top of the charts. However, Gamasutra remarks on the tremendous momentum Call of Duty 4 has had so far in 2008, especially considering the game was released early November of 2007. They were also surprised to see Gran Turismo 5: Prologue beating out Devil May Cry 4; they even speculate that if the sales on the PS Store for Gran Turismo 5: Prologue were counted, it might have even trumped the sales of the PS3 version of Madden 09. Did any of these games surprise you guys? Is there a game you would have liked to see on the chart? Fire away in the comments below.

JoystiqNPD: Top 5 best-selling PS3 games from January to August 08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-4cod-4grand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivgta4gtaivmadden-09madden09metal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-4mgs4nflnfl-09nfl09npdnpd-groupTue, 23 Sep 2008 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human cracks NPD Top 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/too-human-cracks-npd-top-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/too-human-cracks-npd-top-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/too-human-cracks-npd-top-10/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to the NPD Group the controversial loot-grinder Too Human cracked the top ten sales chart for the month of August. Selling 168,200 units in a ten day period, Too Human landed the number 8 spot beating out Madden 09 for the Nintendo Wii and Guitar Hero: On Tour for the Nintendo DS.

While reactions have been mixed since Too Human's release, Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack told X3F in a post game release interview that the team from St. Catharine's, Canada, couldn't be happier with the final product. Controversy aside, Too Human debuted strong and continued sales only solidifies that the previously announced sequels are still in the works. That Valkyrie death animation can still fall in a well and die, though. Just saying.

[via GameDaily]

JoystiqToo Human cracks NPD Top 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackmicrosoft-game-studiosnpd-groupsilicon-knightstoo-humanFri, 12 Sep 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD releases home console attach rate ratios: PS3 not so hot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/npd-releases-home-console-attach-rate-ratios-ps3-not-so-hot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/npd-releases-home-console-attach-rate-ratios-ps3-not-so-hot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/npd-releases-home-console-attach-rate-ratios-ps3-not-so-hot/#commentsFiled under:

Uh-oh! It's a stint of bad news for the PS3-lovin' populace. NPD's latest batch of arbitrary data we trust so dearly has listed the current standing of home consoles in reference to their software attach rate. Guess who's at the bottom of the list? Well, technically the PSP, but the PS3 is if we're counting consoles and not handhelds. The breakdown goes like this:
  • Xbox 360: software sales ratio: 7.5
  • Wii: software sales ratio: 5.3
  • PS3: software sales ratio: 4.6
This can be chocked up to a number of reasons, which we'll allow you to speculate in our comments section. The PSP was slightly behind the PS3 with 4.2 just in case you were wondering. Install base? Sheer number of games? Price of the console? Versatility of the console? Reliability? Who knows, but despite saying the PS3 is at "the bottom" sort of discounts the fact that on average, people have 4-5 games as soon as they buy their system. That's great!

JoystiqNPD releases home console attach rate ratios: PS3 not so hot originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attach-ratenpdnpd-groupFri, 25 Apr 2008 08:30:00 EST