The June sales numbers for the video game industry are in, and it looks like the US economy has finally caught up with the previously torrid gaming market. "This is one of the first months where I think the impact of the economy is clearly reflected in the sales numbers," NPD analyst Anita Frazier wrote in her report. "Because the question invariably arises, this month saw the greatest year-over-year monthly decline since September 2000 when the industry declined 41 percent."
Sales of video games were $1.7 billion last June. This June? Only $1.17 billion. Let's take a look at who did well in a down market.
Nintendo
Nintendo sales may be declining year over year, but the company is still not anywhere close to losing its leadership status to either Microsoft or Sony. The Wii sold 361,700 units in June, with the Nintendo DS selling an astounding 766,500 units—one of the few systems to see a rise from last year.
The EA Sports Active bundle took the number three slot in software with 289,100 units sold, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 took the number four slot with 272,400 units sold, and Wii Fit took the number five slot with 271,600 units sold. Each of these games, in its own way, somewhat stretches the term "software," since each one is so closely tied to a piece of hardware. Even Mario Kart comes with a wheel, and that game took the number eight slot with 202,100 units sold.
Frazier also notes the success of the MotionPlus. "Wii Motion Plus sold 169K units in its first month at retail, not counting, of course, those bundled with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10." Keep in mind these numbers come before the release of the peripheral's expected killer app, Wii Sports Resort. The MotionPlus already feels like a hit, and we have our copy of Sports Resort in the office. Look for a full review in the next few days, but suffice it to say the game is bound to rocket the MotionPlus to the top of the sales charts... it's that good.
It also helps that the peripheral retails for $20, and the game with the peripheral will only cost $50. Low-priced quality is going to be a compelling feature of Nintendo's offerings this generation.
Microsoft
The 360 also saw gains from last year, selling 240,600 pieces of hardware in June. The 360 version of Prototype also took the number one slot with 419,900 units sold—you can read our controversial review for some thoughts on that title.
UFC 2009: Undisputed continues to allow Dana White to give EA the bird, selling 338,300 units to take the number two slot. Fight Night Round 4 took the number six slot with 260,800 units sold. Red Faction Guerilla took the number nine slot with 199,400 copies sold.
Sony
Sony saw similar sales numbers across all three of its consoles: 164,700 sold for the PS3, 164,300 sold for the PSP, and 152,700 for the PlayStation 2. Combined, those numbers are pretty strong, but individually each system is not doing nearly as well as its competitors.
Fight Night Round 4 took the number seven slot in software sales with 210,300 sold, and inFamous held on at number 10 with 192,700 sold.
In conclusion
The economy is starting to beat up the games business, with Frazier noting that Prototype has some soft sales for a game in the number one slot on the chart. With so many games being pushed into 2010, this downward trend may continue. July numbers are going to be fun, with Wii Sports Resort expected to do big business. Nintendo continues to amaze; even on the downslope, the company appears unbeatable.
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