NPD: U.S. game spending up 40% in first half of 2018

U.S. consumers spent $19.5 billion on gaming in the first half of 2018, according to industry-tracking firm The NPD Group. This is up 40 percent from the same period last year. All sectors saw growth, including full game, downloadable content, subscription, and mobile sales. Mobile saw the most growth. The industry is healthy, and future prospects continue to look strong.

On the software front, The NPD Group attributes the games Candy Crush Saga, Far Cry 5, Fortnite, God of War, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, and Roblox with having the most impact. Candy Crush Saga and Roblox are long-running games that have become consistent earners. PUBG and Fortnite are carrying their debut momentum (and the start of the battle royale craze) from 2017 over to this year. God of War and Far Cry 5 are new, triple-A releases that came out in the first half of 2018.