The full September 2014 NPD report is in, revealing that video game retail sales in the United States were up 2% compared to September 2013, bringing in $1.1 billion. For a breakdown, this saw software down 35% to $501.6 million, hardware up 136% to $432.7 million, and accessories up 33% to $189.5 million.
We already know the PlayStation 4 was the #1 best-selling console during the month (its 9th-straight month beating the Xbox One), and as NPD analyst Liam Callahan notes, Destiny was not only the biggest launch for a new IP, but it’s also the #1 selling game so far this year in the US:
The launch of Activision-published and Bungie-developed Destiny in September 2014 proved successful in a number of ways: year-to-date through September data it is the top-selling video game on a unit basis, making it the most successful launch of the year so far as well. But an even more prestigious feat was the fact that Destiny had the best launch month of all-time for any new IP in video game software.
If you’re shocked by the big drop in software sales last month, Callahan said, “It is important to note that September 2013 was the best performing September on record for new physical video game software sales, driven by the launch of Grand Theft Auto V, therefore making for difficult comparisons for this September to last.”
Here’s the top 10 selling games in September 2014, which totals retail sales across all systems and includes Collectors Editions, GOTY Editions, and bundles, but not those bundled with hardware. Sales by platform are ranked in brackets:
- Destiny (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3)
- Madden NFL 15 (360, PS4, PS3, Xbox One)
- FIFA 15 (PS4, 360, PS3, Xbox One, Wii, Vita, 3DS)
- Super Smash Bros. for 3DS (3DS)
- Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
- NHL 15 (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3)
- Minecraft (360, PS3)
- The Sims 4 (PC)
- Disney Infinity 2.0 (360, PS3, Wii U, PS4, Xbox One)
- Diablo III: Reaper of Souls (PS4, 360, PS3, Xbox One, PC)
Are you surprised to see Destiny selling the most on Xbox One, even though it was offered for free to anyone buying a new console?
[Source: Games Industry]
