New physical video game sales account for less than 50% of a $14 billion market in 2012

North Americans spent $14.80 billion on video game content last year, but less than half this total was on new, physical releases, according to figures released by market research company The NPD Group today. Instead, the majority was in the digital, used, and rental markets.

The overall income of $14.80 billion showed a decline of 9 percent from 2011’s $16.34 billion. Physical sales (new and used) suffered most, dropping 21 percent, from $11.25 billion in 2011, to $8.88 billion in 2012.