UK leads digital and physical game sales

NDP data shows that UK consumers buy more video games – both boxed and downloadable – than those in France, Germany in the US.

The research group reported that the split between physical and digital sales in Germany is nearly equal, although France is dominated by boxed sales.

The UK also had the highest reported usage on home consoles, while the US has the highest number of gamers using smartphones and other app devices. Germany has the highest usage of personal computers, while France’s consumers predominantly prefer dedicated gaming handhelds.

The number of consumers buying and playing games was lower in the US than in these three European markets – which have a combined population close to two-third of the US.

"Digital distribution provides the games industry with an opportunity to reach consumers on a global basis faster than ever before," said NDP’s games industry analyst Anita Frazier.

"Gaming is a global business and one that needs to take into account the unique dynamics, incluidng consumers preferences for acquiring content as well as device usage. This is information that can be used at both a strategic and tactical level in order to reduce risk."