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NPD: US game spending dipped 5% to $57bn in 2022

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was the best-selling title of the year, while the Nintendo Switch led consoles sales by units sold

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According to tracking firm NPD's latest report, US games sales in 2022 totaled $57 billion; the figure represents a 5% decline compared to 2021, which amassed $60 billion.

Software comprised most of the year's revenue (84%), with game content spending reaching $47.5 billion in 2022.

Software sales decreased by 7% compared to 2021, including digital games, DLC, and subscriptions across consoles, cloud, mobile, portable, PC, and VR hardware.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was the best-selling game of 2022, and Bandai Namco's Elden Ring followed as second. EA's Madden NFL 23 was the third best-seller title of the year.

Looking at 2022 exclusives, God of War: Ragnarok was the best-selling game on the PlayStation consoles, Pokémon: Scarlet and Violet were number one on Nintendo platforms, and Forza Horizon 5 was the top Microsoft exclusive throughout the year.

Unlike software, hardware sales grew with console revenues reaching $6.57 billion last year, up 8% from 2021.

In terms of units sold, the Nintendo Switch led the year in console sales. While Sony's PlayStation 5 was the top-selling platform in hardware dollar sales in 2022.

Consumer spending on game accessories increased by 8% in 2022, for $2.5 billion. The Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller was the best-selling gamepad throughout the year.

The NPD report also highlighted the best sellers of December 2022, with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 taking the top spot, Pokémon: Scarlet and Pokémon: Violet, while God of War Ragnarok came in third.

Consumer spending grew by 2% compared to 2021, reaching $7.6 billion during the month.

Hardware sales in December were up 16% to $1.53 billion, as the PlayStation 5 was the top-selling console for the month.

Here are the 2022 top 20 games (physical and digital) ranked on dollar sales, data courtesy of NPD:

1 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
2 Elden Ring
3 Madden NFL 23
4 God of War: Ragnarok
5 LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
6 Pokemon: Scarlet/Violet*
7 FIFA 23
8 Pokemon Legends: Arceus*
9 Horizon II: Forbidden West
10 MLB: The Show 22^
11 Mario Kart 8*
12 Call of Duty: Vanguard
13 Gran Turismo 7
14 Kirby and the Forgotten Land*
15 NBA 2K23*
16 Sonic Frontiers
17 Gotham Knights
18 Minecraft
19 Nintendo Switch Sports*
20 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*

* Digital sales not included

^ Xbox & Switch digital sales not included

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Jeffrey Rousseau

Staff Writer

Jeffrey Rousseau joined GamesIndustry.biz in March 2021. Based in Florida, his work focused on the intersectionality of games and media. He enjoys reading, podcasts, staying informed, and learning how people are tackling issues.