The monetary investment of users in video games has decreased in 2022 compared to previous years. According to a reported from NPD Groupduring the second quarter of the year spending on video games fell by 13% compared to the same period last year.
Total spending on video games so far in 2022 has been $12.35 billion, a reduction of $1.71 billion compared to 2021. In turn, non-mobile subscriptions increased in this same period. In fact, much of the decline in subscriptions was from the mobile sector, according to the report
Spending on mobile games fell 12%, hardware 1% and accessories 11%.
Service platforms with games included, such as Game Pass (Xbox / PC), PS Plus (PS4 / PS5) and Nintendo Switch Online, are the most benefited.
The most profitable video games in 2022
The most popular games in this period are online multiplayer like Among Us, Diablo Immortal, Call of Duty: Warzone, Candy Crush Saga, GTA V, Minecraft, Mario Kart 8 y Pokémon GO. Single player titles like Elden RingLEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Kirby and the Forgotten Landas well as The Sims 4are among the standouts.
In terms of ‘hardware’ sales, Nintendo Switch dominates the market and PlayStation 5 generated higher revenue in dollars
One of the causes to which this decrease in sales is attributed is the reopening of public spaces and the uncertain economic environment. High gas prices in Europe – due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – and global inflation have tightened budgets. Fewer big launches and global semiconductor shortages since the first half of 2020 also affect.
Still, spending on video games in 2022 is higher than it was before the pandemic. During the pandemic, the industry achieved massive growth, supported by the quarantines implemented in all countries. From the first quarter of 2021 the decline began and in May 2022 the industry had its lowest level of sales since February 2020.
Economic experts predict that a general recession would impact the coming months.
