NPD: Digital spending up in Q1 2013, made up for retail decline

The NPD Group claims the total amount spent among US game consumers during the first three months of 2013 is on par with the same period in 2012 – and it’s all thanks to the digital market.

Game Informer passes on word that the NPD found a total spend of $3.5bn during the first quarter of this year.

Digital spending made up 45 per cent of that figure, at $1.59bn. The category includes full downloadable games, mobile and social games, add-ons, expansions, subscriptions and microtransactions.

The Physical console and PC sector sold $1.37bn during the period, with $559m added from used game sales and rentals to round out the total.

NPD added that the digital spend side has increased since 2012, but would not offer up a figure for comparison.