The video game industry continued its downward spiral as sales continued to fall. According to new data from the market research firm NPD Group, retail sale of new video games hardware, software, and accessories fell 25 percent in October to $755.5 million from last year's $1 billion mark. This marks the 11th straight month of decline for the industry.
The number one selling console for the month of October, Microsoft's Xbox fell 37 percent to $187.3 million. Surprisingly, Sales of accessories grew 5 percent to $135.6 million, according to NPD Group.
"These sales figures represent new physical retail sales of hardware, software and accessories, which account for roughly 50% of the total consumer spend on games," NPD analyst Liam Callahan said in a statement. "When you consider our preliminary estimate for other physical format sales in September such as used and rentals at $101 million, and our estimate for digital format sales including full game and add-on content downloads including microtransactions, subscriptions, mobile apps and the consumer spend on social network games at $359 million, we would estimate the total consumer spend in September to be just under $1.2 billion."
NPD notes that NBA 2K13 was the number one selling game for the month of October. Here is a list of the month's top selling video games:
1. "NBA 2K13," Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.
2. "Resident Evil 6," Capcom USA
3. "Pokemon Black Version 2," Nintendo Co.
4. "Dishonored," Bethesda Softworks
5. "Pokemon White Version 2," Nintendo Co.
6. "Madden NFL 13," Electronic Arts Inc.
7. "FIFA Soccer 13," Electronic Arts Inc.
8. "Medal of Honor: Warfighter," Electronic Arts Inc.
9. "Borderlands 2," Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.
10. "Skylander Giants," Activision Blizzard Inc.
What do you think will reinvigorate the gaming industry? Do we need new consoles? Do You think the Wii U will help video game sales for the remainder of the year? Comment below and tell us what you think?
