August NPD Numbers Have Madden and Switch at the Top
The August NPD numbers show software sales drop to $257 million, the lowest numbers seen since 1998, as well as Madden and the Nintendo Switch carrying the month of low sales. While Madden has carried the top of the software charts for a second month, it’s followed by Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto 5 and Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Madden 20 has quickly become the third best selling game of 2019, just behind Mortal Kombat 11 and Kingdom Hearts III. Hardware sales of the Nintendo Switch increased this August compared to their sales last year, showing the stagnant Xbox One and PS4 sales which are down 22% overall how to keep gamers engaged even during the low months.
It’s no wonder Sony and Microsoft are working on their successors to the Xbox One and PS4 when the NPD numbers continue to show a lack of interest in the consoles as the months roll by. A lot of sports game fans are enraged about the lack of upgrades from one title to the next, with the inclusion of more pay to win every year, but the continued success of games like Madden and Fifa prove these mechanics aren’t changing any time soon. Astral Chain made it into the top 10 of the August NPD numbers, despite only being available two days before the numbers were published. Mortal Kombat 11, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Grand Theft Auto 5 show off their sales, being leaders of both the month and the year of software sales.
Many gamers who don’t play sports titles don’t get their popularity but it’s clear with Madden leading in August and placing in the top three games of the year in sales, the momentum of sports games isn’t slowing down. After the season Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes had last year, it’s very fitting that he’s the cover player for such a well sold Madden. The Nintendo Switch is the most widely recognized hybrid console on the market, something Microsoft and Sony are behind on.
Are you shocked that Madden and the Nintendo Switch carried video games through August? How shocked are you that software sales are the lowest game publishers have seen since 1998? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: wccftech