July 17th 2024.
It seems like there's been a significant decrease in the number of new video games hitting the market in the UK. Sales for the first half of 2024 have dropped drastically compared to the previous year, and the lack of major releases is being blamed for these disappointing results. While there have still been some great games released this year, it's clear that the video game industry is facing some serious challenges – not just in terms of layoffs, but also in terms of declining sales.
Even worldwide console sales have taken a hit in recent months, with Sony projecting a decline in PlayStation 5 sales for the rest of the year due to a lack of major franchise titles. This trend is reflected in new figures specific to the UK, which show a 30% drop in video game sales during the first half of 2024. According to the Entertainment Retailers Association, video game software sales have fallen 29.4% compared to the same period last year.
The decline is even more significant for physical game sales, which have dropped by 40%, and digital downloads, which have fallen by 23%. Kim Bayley, CEO of ERA, remains optimistic for a strong second half of the year, traditionally the time for blockbuster releases. Despite the decrease in video game sales, the industry has still managed to generate more revenue than music and video sales. Music sales, which exclude streaming services, have actually seen a 7.9% increase, while video sales have risen by 5.4%.
Looking ahead to the rest of the year, there are a few games that could potentially boost sales, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, EA Sports FC 25, and Assassin's Creed Shadows. However, most of these are annual franchises, so the line-up is quite similar to last year. On a positive note, the Nintendo Switch has a stronger line-up than expected, with highly anticipated titles like Mario & Luigi: Brothership, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Super Mario Party Jamboree. While these games may not be as big as some of Nintendo's recent hits, they could still help improve the overall sales for the year.
Retailers are surely hoping for a significant improvement in 2025, with the launch of Nintendo's new console and the release of highly anticipated games like GTA 6. However, this may not be enough to help struggling publishers who are already facing challenges in releasing games for current generation consoles in a timely manner. It's a tough time for the industry, and it remains to be seen if the release of Black Ops 6 can turn things around.
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In other news, the cover star for EA Sports FC 25 has been leaked, and he's currently playing in the Euros. We wonder who it could be! And with the recent release of Starfy on the Nintendo Switch, we can't help but think about other Japan-only GBA games that we'd love to see on the Switch. And speaking of the Switch, did you know that it's now the longest-running home console from Nintendo? Quite an impressive feat!
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