US Video Game Industry Revenue Reaches $36 Billion in 2017
January 18 2018 - 6:45PM
Business Wire
Hardware and software both see significant
growth
The US video game industry generated a record $36 billion in
revenue in 2017, up 18 percent from 2016, according to new data
released today by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and
The NPD Group.
“The spectacular growth of our industry in 2017 proves video
game developers, artists, and storytellers are the brightest lights
in the US economy, finding more ways to delight the world’s 2.6
billion gamers each year,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and
CEO of ESA, which represents the US video game industry.
“Congratulations to our industry’s brilliant creators on delivering
another record year of remarkable entertainment that inspired the
passion of gamers everywhere.”
The 2017 figure combines hardware revenue, which includes
peripherals, and software revenue from physical and digital sales,
which includes in-game purchases and subscriptions. Both
experienced strong growth that contributed to another impressive
year for the video game industry.
US Video Game
Industry Revenue 2017 2016 Growth Percentage Hardware, including
peripherals $6.9 billion $5.8 billion +19 % Software, including
in-game purchases and subscriptions $29.1 billion $24.6 billion +18
% Total: $36 billion $30.4 billion +18 %
US mobile spend data, which includes paid downloads and in-game
purchases for mobile and tablet devices through Apple’s App Store
and Google Play, was collected from App Annie.
“2017 was a special year for the industry, and for everyone who
loves games,” said Mat Piscatella, The NPD Group’s video game
industry analyst. “Developers created content that delighted gamers
across all gaming platforms. From mobile to PC, and from console to
virtual reality, growth was achieved because the passion of gamers
was matched only by the talent of game makers.”
The US video game industry is one of the nation’s fastest
growing economic sectors, providing more than 220,000 jobs and
generating billions of dollars in revenue for communities across
the country. To see the full geographic diversity of the industry,
visit www.areweinyourstate.org.
About ESA
ESA offers a wide range of services to interactive entertainment
software companies, including conducting business and consumer
research; providing legal and policy analysis and advocacy on First
Amendment, intellectual property, and technology/e-commerce issues;
managing a global content protection program; owning and
operating E3; and representing video game industry
interests in federal and state government relations. For more
information, visit ESA’s website or follow ESA on
Twitter @theESA or @ESAGovAffairs.
About The NPD Group, Inc.
NPD is the leading global provider of market information and
business solutions covering brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and
emerging channels in more than 20 industries. We combine our unique
data assets with analytic solutions to help our clients measure
performance, predict trends, and improve results, advising them to
help drive successful growth. Practice areas include apparel,
appliances, automotive, beauty, books, consumer electronics,
e-commerce, entertainment, fashion accessories, food consumption,
foodservice, footwear, home, juvenile products, mobile, office
supplies, retail, sports, technology, toys, travel retail, games,
and watches/jewelry. For more information, visit npd.com
and npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter: @npdgroup
@npd_entertain
About App Annie
App Annie delivers the most trusted app market data and
insights for your business to succeed in the global app economy.
Over one million registered users rely on App Annie to better
understand the app market, their businesses, and the opportunities
around them. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, with
450 employees across 15 global offices. App Annie has received $157
million in financing, including from investors such as Sequoia
Capital, Institutional Venture Partners, IDG Capital Partners,
e.ventures, Greenspring Associates, and Greycroft Partners.
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Entertainment Software AssociationDan Hewitt,
202.223.2400dhewitt@theESA.com