UK Video Game Sales Plummet in Early 2024 Amidst Anticipated Mid-Year Recovery

The beginning of 2024 presented a notable decline in video game sales within the UK, reflecting the anticipation that the year might not compare favorably to 2023. Sales data for the first half of the year show a significant downturn, with both physical and digital formats witnessing drops in revenue.

Based on figures from the Entertainment Retailers Association reported by VGC, overall UK video game software sales fell by nearly 30% compared to the previous year. The revenue for game sales summed up to £348.6 million during this period. A dramatic 40% reduction in physical sales contributed £111.7 million, while digital sales, although less affected, still saw a 23% decline, bringing in £236.9 million.

The Entertainment Retailers Association's CEO Kim Bayley acknowledged the tough start to the year, attributing it partly to the absence of major game releases. However, there remains optimism for a rebound in the latter half of the year. In comparison, music and video sales did not reach the heights of the gaming market, with earnings of £163.8 million and £213.7 million, respectively. Although combined, these sectors still trail behind, there is an expectation that upcoming significant releases like Call of Duty and EA Sports FC will boost game sales significantly in the second half of 2024.