September 2023 Industry Report: Starfield Takes the Lead
Hey there, gamers! I’ve got some exciting news for you from the gaming world. According to the latest industry report from Circana (formerly NPD), the best-selling game in the US for September 2023 was none other than Starfield!
Now, if you’re wondering what makes Starfield so special, let me fill you in. This highly anticipated game was released on September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S. And guess what? The PC version was the lead sales platform. But why, you ask? Well, it could be because most Xbox players acquired the game through Game Pass. Talk about a gaming challenge, right? It just goes to show how Game Pass has changed the gaming landscape.
Mortal Kombat 1 Strikes a Powerful Blow
But wait, there’s more! In other software news, Mortal Kombat 1 made its debut as the second best-selling game of September. And that’s not all—it’s currently the eighth best-selling game of 2023. This game took the gaming world by storm, selling the most on PlayStation, tying for second on PC and Xbox, and coming in third on Nintendo Switch. It’s a game that truly transcends platforms and brings gamers together.
The Top Ten Best-Selling Games
Now, let’s take a look at the top ten best-selling games for September 2023. In third place, we have EA Sports FC 24, followed closely by Madden NFL 24 in fourth and Payday 3 in fifth. Rounding out the chart, we have NBA 2K24, The Crew: Motorfest, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, Hogwarts Legacy, and Modern Warfare 3, respectively. These games are like a dream team, showcasing the diversity and excitement of the gaming world.
A Rise in Video Game Content Sales
Gamers, get ready to level up your excitement! In September 2023, video game content sales increased by a whopping 13% year-over-year, reaching $3.8 billion. And you know what’s driving most of these gains? It’s the digital premium download spending across consoles and PC. It’s like finding a hidden power-up in a game that boosts your score!
The Battle of the Consoles
Now, let’s talk hardware. In September 2023, spending on hardware fell by 8% year-over-year, amounting to $451 million. But don’t worry, there’s still hope. While PlayStation 5 and Switch experienced declines, Xbox Series consoles saw a single-digit percentage growth. It’s like a fierce battle between consoles, where each one fights for dominance.
And speaking of dominance, PlayStation 5 emerged victorious as the best-selling console of the month in both unit and dollar sales. But don’t count Xbox Series consoles out just yet—they secured the second spot in unit and dollar sales. PlayStation 5 continues to reign as the best-selling console for the year, proving its gaming prowess.
The Power of Gaming Accessories
Accessories play a crucial role in enhancing the gaming experience, and in September 2023, spending on accessories increased by 11% year-over-year, totaling $197 million. Now, that’s what I call a power-up! Controller spending was up by 15% year-over-year, with the PS5 Dual Sense Wireless Controller – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Limited Edition taking the crown as the best-selling accessory of the month. And racing controller spending? It grew by an impressive 18%. It’s like having the perfect gaming gear to conquer any challenge!
Conclusion: Gaming Continues to Thrive
There you have it, gamers—the highlights of the September 2023 industry report. The gaming world is buzzing with excitement, and the numbers don’t lie. With video game content, hardware, and accessories sales growing by 10% year-over-year to a staggering $4.5 billion, it’s clear that gaming is more than just a hobby—it’s a thriving industry.
So, whether you’re exploring the vast universe of Starfield, unleashing your fighting skills in Mortal Kombat 1, or immersing yourself in the diverse worlds of EA Sports FC 24 and Madden NFL 24, remember that you’re part of a vibrant community. Keep gaming, keep exploring, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Together, we’ll continue to shape the future of gaming!