NPD First Half 2018 Report: Xbox and NES/SNES Classic doing great, $19.5B spent, game rev up 43% YoY

Nirolak · Aug 29, 2018

Benji said:
This kind of stuff is the reason I've been considering stopping posting on the forum sometime in the near future. The level of discourse has gotten extremely rough. I'm trying to hold out but idk if it's worth it really

On topic it's been a tremendous year so far for the industry in 2018. Hardware growth has been great to see, particularly from the Xbox One. People really take for granted how special and important it is we have 3 VERY healthy platforms right now all offering different experiences an strategies. Its why cross console ownership is so high, because all 3 platforms offer a unique spin on the industry.

Also in terms of software it's nice to see surprise over performances from games such as Monster Hunter World and DBZ Fighterz. Of course your mainstays such as GTAV and COD are there but it's always great to see games over perform expectations and shake up the industry

I've been curious for a while if a major Western publisher would try to make something adjacent to Monster Hunter and make it a big hit on consoles/PC, since the concept was obviously incredibly appealing, but the platform seemed like a poor match for Western tastes.

However, since Capcom went and did it themselves to astronomical success, now I'm really curious to see if someone like Ubisoft will try to enter the market with something that's like... not exactly Monster Hunter, but has a similar idea of being really heavily focused on co-op boss fights in various areas and a gear progression attached. Raids are somewhat adjacent, but not quite the same, and it feels like there's room for more than one game here.

We did see Western publishers get progressively more interested in fighting games, and now games like For Honor are racking up over 10 million players on top of more traditional entries like Netherrealm's games landing in the 5+ million space.

Khrol · Aug 29, 2018

Zappy said:
Low numbers last year nor deals explain this. Growth is YoY so even if last year was very low there is a reason for that and a reason why this year is higher. Also deals don't explain $ growth, especially as there were many deals last year too.

I guess I'm curious if this is brand restoration at play or the X hardware. Or both. Or sea of thieves?

I think the X + offering good services are doing wonders to restore faith in the brand. MS Is definintely on an upswing here. When the games eventually come we will see Xbox being a lot more competitive again.

Dekuman · Aug 29, 2018

Benji said:
This kind of stuff is the reason I've been considering stopping posting on the forum sometime in the near future. The level of discourse has gotten extremely rough. I'm trying to hold out but idk if it's worth it really

On topic it's been a tremendous year so far for the industry in 2018. Hardware growth has been great to see, particularly from the Xbox One. People really take for granted how special and important it is we have 3 VERY healthy platforms right now all offering different experiences an strategies. Its why cross console ownership is so high, because all 3 platforms offer a unique spin on the industry.

Also in terms of software it's nice to see surprise over performances from games such as Monster Hunter World and DBZ Fighterz. Of course your mainstays such as GTAV and COD are there but it's always great to see games over perform expectations and shake up the industry

Love your insights Benji. But will support if you decide to quit. The NPD threads always devolve into garbage discussions even with Matt refuting some of the more outrageous claims. Just want to express my gratitude

Funky_Monkey · Aug 29, 2018

Nirolak said:
I've been curious for a while if a major Western publisher would try to make something adjacent to Monster Hunter and make it a big hit on consoles/PC, since the concept was obviously incredibly appealing, but the platform seemed like a poor match for Western tastes.

However, since Capcom went and did it themselves to astronomical success, now I'm really curious to see if someone like Ubisoft will try to enter the market with something that's like... not exactly Monster Hunter, but has a similar idea of being really heavily focused on co-op boss fights in various areas and a gear progression attached. Raids are somewhat adjacent, but not quite the same, and it feels like there's room for more than one game here.

We did see Western publishers get progressively more interested in fighting games, and now games like For Honor are racking up over 10 million players on top of more traditional entries like Netherrealm's games landing in the 5+ million space.

On the Sony thread, there has been some discussion on whether you could have something like it in Horizon Zero Dawn. Especially since there was talk of having co-op play in the early development stages of the game.

Nirolak · Aug 29, 2018

Funky_Monkey said:
On the Sony thread, there has been some discussion on whether you could have something like it in Horizon Zero Dawn. Especially since there was talk of having co-op play in the early development stages of the game.

Yes, that would be a good example of something I feel would do quite well.

Chaostar · Aug 29, 2018

Microsoft buying exclusive rights to 'hardcore' gamers paid off I see.

Lelouch0612 · Aug 29, 2018

Benji said:
This kind of stuff is the reason I've been considering stopping posting on the forum sometime in the near future. The level of discourse has gotten extremely rough. I'm trying to hold out but idk if it's worth it really

On topic it's been a tremendous year so far for the industry in 2018. Hardware growth has been great to see, particularly from the Xbox One. People really take for granted how special and important it is we have 3 VERY healthy platforms right now all offering different experiences an strategies. Its why cross console ownership is so high, because all 3 platforms offer a unique spin on the industry.

Also in terms of software it's nice to see surprise over performances from games such as Monster Hunter World and DBZ Fighterz. Of course your mainstays such as GTAV and COD are there but it's always great to see games over perform expectations and shake up the industry

I know you don't want to but I can't encourage you enough to make use of the ignore button. It might sound "coward" but there is no point to argue with people that are arguing in bath faith. Like at all.

It is always the same usual suspects that make some thread unreable/derailed. They don't deserve your frustration.

Focus on the good and don't mind the rest, it is only way to keep your sanity in a hyperbolic internet environement.

jroc74 · Aug 29, 2018

THEVOID said:
Roblox and Pubg was such a great get for Xbox.

Roblox is not to be slept on. We just talked about it vs Minecraft recently in a few threads.

TheThreadsThatBindUs · Aug 29, 2018

Jarod McChicken said:
Before this causes inevitable confusion for those who don't follow NPD threads, the Xbox One is mentioned because it has the strongest growth year on year following a dreadful 2017. However this doesn't mean the Xbox One is the "strongest performer" or that it is outpacing the PS4, which the Games Industry article doesn't even bother to inform it's still the best selling console in the US in 2018. While in progress compared to 2017, the Xbox One is also behind the Switch for the year.

If anyone reads this article casually without much knowledge of the trends, he can easily thinks that the PS4 has nothing to do with how great the market is doing right now. You can't just talk about the growth year on year without explaining the full picture.

Thanks for the summary write-up and important context for the thread discussion.

I'm sure many will ignore it, however.

SlipperyMoose · Aug 29, 2018

Some people just can't be happy or accept when something that isn't their preference is performing. All three companies have had their ups and downs during their run. I don't think there has ever been a better time to be a console owner. They are all doing great things.

Deleted member 41104 · Aug 29, 2018

Dekuman said:
Love your insights Benji. But will support if you decide to quit. The NPD threads always devolve into garbage discussions even with Matt refuting some of the more outrageous claims. Just want to express my gratitude

Always the same people too. It's often easy to just look at the name/avatar and predict what kind of post these individuals will make or what kind of « joke » they'll find funny.

Deleted member 20297 · Aug 29, 2018

~Fake said:
Aaron Green amazing console war article.

Nah, the thread was, not what Aaron said. He was even confirmed by Matt to be true and Matt even explained it.

Zool · Aug 29, 2018

Goddamnit, no mention of Switch. Thread failed!

Rulenof thumb: mention Switch for success.

Good to hear the indistry is doing well

gflo · Aug 29, 2018

I'm curious how sales will be next year, since the majority of games I purchased was because of the physical discounts from BB/Amazon. Now that I don't have much free time, I'm pretty much slowing down my game purchases and picking choosing what game to get each month and wait till others drop down to a good sale - like Shadow of War I didn't pick up till recently when the gold edition was on sale for $20 at Best Buy.

Old me would of picked up DQ11 / Spiderman / Shadow of the Tomb Raider all in Sept., but now I'm just gonna get Spiderman which I hope holds me over till Mega Man 11 then Red Dead Redemption 2.

talkTOmyHAND · Aug 29, 2018

Zappy said:
Low numbers last year nor deals explain this. Growth is YoY so even if last year was very low there is a reason for that and a reason why this year is higher. Also deals don't explain $ growth, especially as there were many deals last year too.

I guess I'm curious if this is brand restoration at play or the X hardware. Or both. Or sea of thieves?

I said bunch of deals because last year in first half there wasn't bunch of deals like this year for X1.

Shpeshal Nick · Aug 29, 2018

Far out. The OP even says the PS4 was the best selling console and the console warriors still got their jimmies rustled because the Xbox was mentioned in a positive light.

Don't you guys get tired?

ResetEraIsTheBestEra · Aug 29, 2018

this year has been great, cant complain

allan-bh · Aug 29, 2018

Crazy how people gets annoyed just because isn't your preferred console that is being highlighted in the news.

Btw, first half of 2018 was the best for Xbox One since launch, so the good performance of this year isn't just because 2017 was weak. The console is healthy on the market, as PS4 and Switch, that's awesome for the industry and for the players.

H-I-M · Aug 29, 2018

KratosEnergyDrink said:
That means that XOne performed strong relatively to last year, but sales are probably still below PS4 and Switch? The op is worded a bit ambiguous.

Very ambiguous.

Senor Spielbergo · Aug 29, 2018

Xbox has some good momentum brewing, love it!

New Fang · Aug 29, 2018

Shpeshal Ed said:
Far out. The OP even says the PS4 was the best selling console and the console warriors still got their jimmies rustled because the Xbox was mentioned in a positive light.

Don't you guys get tired?

Some of us actually read the article linked in the OP, which makes no mention of the PS4 and Switch outselling the Xbox. That is the origin for most of these comments.

The article gives the false impression the Xbox is the highest selling console. That was literally what I thought reading it.

ParanoidRED · Aug 29, 2018

Happy to see Xbox, DBFz and GOW doing good numbers

Kodama4 · Aug 29, 2018

All those dollars going straight to game developers! Heathy market

Shpeshal Nick · Aug 29, 2018

New Fang said:
Some of us actually read the article linked in the OP, which makes no mention of the PS4 and Switch outselling the Xbox. That is the origin for most of these comments.

The article gives the false impression the Xbox is the highest selling console. That was literally what I thought reading it.

You mean this one line?

The NPD highlighted particularly strong sales for Xbox One

That's it? Those 8 words somehow indicated the Xbox was the best selling console of 2018?

jon bones · Aug 29, 2018

I don't know what makes me smile more - a healthy, vibrant and diverse gaming industry or watching grown men trip over themselves to cape for their favorite corporations.

New Fang · Aug 29, 2018

Shpeshal Ed said:
You mean this one line?

That's it? Those 8 words somehow indicated the Xbox was the best selling console of 2018?

It could certainly give one that impression, yes.

"Particularly strong sales" could definitely be used to describe the market leader, especially when you fail to mention the actual market leader anywhere in the article.

H-I-M · Aug 29, 2018

Shpeshal Ed said:
You mean this one line?

That's it? Those 8 words somehow indicated the Xbox was the best selling console of 2018?

That's still 8 words more than the Switch and PS4 got...

Deleted member 20297 · Aug 29, 2018

New Fang said:
Some of us actually read the article linked in the OP, which makes no mention of the PS4 and Switch outselling the Xbox. That is the origin for most of these comments.

The article gives the false impression the Xbox is the highest selling console. That was literally what I thought reading it.

So because you inferred something you think others did so, too, and did not catch that OP literally said that PS4 was the best selling console? How? If you try to defend others with the same reading comprehension, then you must think very bad of these people.

Deleted member 2785 · Aug 29, 2018

gflo said:
I'm curious how sales will be next year,

I'll speak to a this question, although this isn't the real question you asked.

Yep, the very strong 1H, which should extend through 2018, will make a VERY difficult 2019 comp year.

I see many months next year showing declines, sometimes significant declines. It will be very difficult for next year's slates to match what's gone on this year. And trying to match Fortnite/PUBG's 1H? Woof. Will likely be rough. But that's next year's problem.

kadotsu said:
Do you foresee any price drops to $199?

I don't. But I'd be happy to be surprised.

Franco_Tech said:
Is Detroit doing great? how is the sales compared to Heavy Rain.

Launch month sales were well ahead of Heavy Rain. Haven't done the comp since. I'll take a look for next release.

lost7 said:
Will be interesting to see if Far Cry and GOW manage to stay in the list by the end of the year, considering there are so many big hits coming up

I see both making the top 10, but other titles should exceed. Here's my list.

Jarod McChicken said:
Fair points

Fair points. The press release itself speaks to growth. The article translated that into sales. There is a distinction, as you point out.

H-I-M said:
That's still 8 words more than the Switch and PS4 got...

If the hardware sales for these platforms contributed to growth they would have been called out.

Deleted member 20297 · Aug 29, 2018

H-I-M said:
That's still 8 words more than the Switch and PS4 got...

Is this a new victim meme I didn't get or are people intentionally not reading?

The PS4 was the best selling platform overall for this window.

Shpeshal Nick · Aug 29, 2018

New Fang said:
It could certainly give one that impression, yes.

"Particularly strong sales" could definitely be used to describe the market leader, especially when you fail to mention the actual market leader anywhere in the article.

H-I-M said:
That's still 8 words more than the Switch and PS4 got...

The first 2 paragraphs of the article discuss growth and sales compared to 2017 though.

Then the OP (which you're supposed to read, it's a forum rule) then mentions the PS4 as the best selling platform.

New Fang · Aug 29, 2018

c0de said:
So because you inferred something you think others did so, too, and did not catch that OP literally said that PS4 was the best selling console? How? If you try to defend others with the same reading comprehension, then you must think very bad of these people.

All I'm saying is I'm sure I wasn't alone in reading it that way, and sure enough others have pointed out the same thing.

Prime2 · Aug 29, 2018

Andrew DiRienzo said:
pubg xbox gamescon trailer, you can see them with a ps4 pro in the shot.

But that's not an announcement....

TheRulingRing · Aug 29, 2018

Alex840 said:
It's weird that 5 out of the 10 best selling games this year weren't released this year.

Not really. Most of the big boys launch at the end of the year.

Daygon · Aug 29, 2018

New Fang said:
All I'm saying is I'm sure I wasn't alone in reading it that way, and sure enough others have pointed out the same thing.

Yeah....guys that have a strong preference for PlayStation. There's no reason to hate on good news or is that what you want to do, hate on good news?

New Fang · Aug 29, 2018

Shpeshal Ed said:
The first 2 paragraphs of the article discuss growth and sales compared to 2017 though.

Then the OP (which you're supposed to read, it's a forum rule) then mentions the PS4 as the best selling platform.

Yes, the OP does mention that, but some of us are talking about the article, not the OP. It's not that complicated.

Daygon said:
Yeah....guys that have a strong preference for PlayStation. There's no reason to hate on good news or is that what you want to do, hate on good news?

Pointing out the article gives as misleading impression is not hating on good news. What are you even talking about?

Braaier · Aug 29, 2018

It will be interesting to see how the best selling games change by the end of the year. Cod will obviously be best selling but I expect a lot of changes. Smash, Pokemon, cod, bf..

Sander VF · Aug 29, 2018

Look at that DBFZ!

Fighters far from dead!

Deleted member 2145 · Aug 29, 2018

New Fang said:
The article gives the false impression the Xbox is the highest selling console

nah that's you

talkTOmyHAND · Aug 29, 2018

Shpeshal Ed said:
Far out. The OP even says the PS4 was the best selling console and the console warriors still got their jimmies rustled because the Xbox was mentioned in a positive light.

Don't you guys get tired?

Maybe because article didn't mention it. It's easy to think that X1 was the best selling console reading it. Not everyone reads NPD threads or read NPD news every month or follow Mat Piscatella on Twitter.

Jiraiya · Aug 29, 2018

New Fang said:
It could certainly give one that impression, yes.

"Particularly strong sales" could definitely be used to describe the market leader, especially when you fail to mention the actual market leader anywhere in the article.

Nah...i could see if the word strongest was used. Strong doesn't indicate a place in rankings.

Lukas Taves · Aug 29, 2018

Zappy said:
What is driving Xbox YoY growth? The X? I assume it has to be.

X, fortnite, Gamepass... Probably a combination of those factors.

DanteLinkX · Aug 29, 2018

GHG said:
Growth in the hardcore gamer sector.

H-I-M · Aug 29, 2018

Jiraiya said:
Nah...i could see if the word strongest was used. Strong doesn't indicate a place in rankings.

It doesn't. But highlighting the Xbox's performance simply because it did better than its worst year is ambiguous.

Is that worth more praise than let's say the PS4 being still on top despite competing with 'a strong performing Xbox One' and the hugely popular Nintendo Switch?

Edit : let me clarify that this is still about what's being said in the article and not what the OP decided to add extra.

Deleted member 2785 · Aug 29, 2018

It's not praise. It's reporting what drove the growth.

Deleted member 20297 · Aug 29, 2018

H-I-M said:
It doesn't. But highlighting the Xbox's performance simply because it did better than its worst year is ambiguous.

Is that worth more praise than let's say the PS4 being still on top despite competing with 'a strong performing Xbox One' and the hugely popular Nintendo Switch?

The article's main topic is growth. Matt already said that two other platforms would've been mentioned when they would've contributed to it.

Kittenz · Aug 29, 2018

Man. Thank goodness for that first two thread pages. I almost thought Xbox was viable. Thanks for setting me straight. Was a close one.

God forbid I venture outside of platform-specific threads.

How are there not red mod warnings on half these posts?

Jiraiya · Aug 29, 2018

H-I-M said:
It doesn't. But highlighting the Xbox's performance simply because it did better than its worst year is ambiguous.

Is that worth more praise than let's say the PS4 being still on top despite competing with 'a strong performing Xbox One' and the hugely popular Nintendo Switch?

Yes. PlayStation has been the leader for decades.

Deleted member 12635 · Aug 29, 2018

So much salt for a sign of a healthy industry but your favorite company is not highlighted in the news .... SMH

H-I-M · Aug 29, 2018

MatPiscatella said:
It's not praise. It's reporting what drove the growth.

By the way, how did Sea Of Thieves perform during that period?
I've been wondering.

Jiraiya said:
Yes. PlayStation has been the leader for decades.

In America? Not really.

NPD First Half 2018 Report: Xbox and NES/SNES Classic doing great, $19.5B spent, game rev up 43% YoY

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