A comprehensive analysis of the global PC and console gaming market for 2020

Contents:

• UK gaming market
• European gaming market
• Japanese gaming market

In 2020, video game sales in the US set a record, reaching $56.9 billion. This is a significant increase of 27% compared to the previous year. The growth in game sales indicates increased interest in the entertainment industry, which has become especially noticeable against the backdrop of changes in consumer lifestyles.

86% of the total video game market, or $48.9 billion, is attributed to game content. This includes games, add-ons (DLC), subscriptions to console, cloud and mobile services, as well as content for handheld, PC and VR platforms. As a result, software sales increased by 26% compared to 2019.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War was recognized as the best-selling game of 2020, confirming the high interest in the series. The previous part of the franchise, Modern Warfare, came in second place, which also won recognition from players. The Call of Duty series has held the top positions in the US gaming rankings for 12 years in a row, which is a testament to its popularity and quality. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which became one of the most successful projects of last year, also made it into the top three.

The Last of Us: Part 2 became the best-selling game for PlayStation in the US and took third place in overall sales among Sony games in the region. In the list of leaders, it is second only to Marvel's Spider-Man and God of War, which were released in 2018.

The most significant growth is observed not in the software segment, but in the hardware sector. In 2022, game console revenue was $5.3 billion, up 35% from $3.9 billion in 2019. Among the most popular consoles, the Nintendo Switch stands out, ranking third in sales, behind only the PlayStation 5 in rankings and the PlayStation 4 in total units sold. Spending on gaming accessories increased by 21%, reaching $2.6 billion. The DualSense Wireless Controller for PlayStation 5 was the most popular in 2020, becoming the best-selling accessory. It's also worth noting that the Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 70 gaming headset for Xbox ranked first among the best-selling accessories in its segment. The growing interest in gaming devices highlights the active development of the gaming industry and the growing demand for high-quality accessories to enhance the gaming experience.

In 2020, consumer spending on computer hardware and accessories in the United States amounted to $4.5 billion. This is a 62% increase compared to 2019 and double the 2017 figures. This increase in hardware spending indicates a growing interest among users in improving their PCs and enhancing the quality of their gaming and work experiences.

Online sales of PC games increased by 19%, reaching $7.5 billion. Sales of PC accessories increased by 81% compared to the same period last year, while sales of PC components increased by 57%. These data highlight the growing consumer interest in digital entertainment and improved computing infrastructure, which opens new business opportunities for video games and computer technology.

Sales of computer components and accessories increased significantly, doubling compared to previous periods. The most notable growth was observed in the headsets, monitors, and keyboards categories. This is likely due to the widespread transition to remote work, which spurred demand for high-quality computer peripherals.

In 2020, 40% of Americans enjoyed PC gaming, a 4% increase compared to 2019. Experienced PC gamers increased their time spent gaming by 14%. This indicates a growing interest in PC gaming and a shift in user habits toward more active time spent in the virtual world.

Stefan Baker, a leading technology expert at NPD, notes that 2020 was a historic year for the industry. He predicts a 3% increase in sales of computer hardware and accessories in 2021. This growth confirms consumers' continued interest in new technologies and improving their computing ecosystem.

Top 20 Console and PC Games of 2020 in the US

2020 was a landmark year for the gaming industry, introducing many high-quality titles to consoles and PCs. This list features the most popular and highly rated games that have won the hearts of players in the US. These games are distinguished by engaging gameplay, impressive graphics, and original stories. Each of them has left its mark on the world of video games, and many of them have received prestigious awards and critical acclaim. If you want to know which games were the best in 2020, check out our list of the top 20 console and PC games.

UK gaming market

B Nearly 43 million video games, 3 million game consoles, and nearly 10 million PC accessories were sold in the UK last year. These figures highlight the growing interest in the gaming industry and demonstrate that the video game market continues to expand. The popularity of games and consoles indicates that more and more people are choosing video games as a form of entertainment. PC accessories also play a significant role in this segment, confirming the growing interest in computer games and enhancing the gaming experience.

Video game sales at retail and online this year totaled 42.7 million units, a 34% increase compared to 2019. Of this total, 24.5 million games were sold through online platforms, representing a 74% increase compared to 2019. These results highlight a significant increase in interest in online video game sales, reflecting changes in consumer preferences and the growth of digital platforms.

FIFA 21 was the best-selling video game in 2020, selling nearly 2.2 million copies. This impressive result significantly exceeded the sales of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, which sold 1.42 million copies. This sales trend underscores the popularity of football simulations and player interest in the FIFA series.

Sales of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War in 2020 were lower than those of its predecessor, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019). However, 2020 saw an increase in interest in games in the series, driven by strong demand for Modern Warfare. As a result, 2020 was a 13% year-over-year increase in profit for the franchise. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare was the fifth best-selling game of 2020, selling 897,000 copies in 12 months.

Digital gaming has seen a rise in popularity in recent years. Statistics show that 67% of all games sold in the UK last year were purchased through digital platforms such as Xbox Live, PSN, Nintendo eShop, and Steam. This compares to 52% in 2019. This trend reflects a significant shift in gamer preferences, with gamers increasingly choosing the convenience and accessibility of digital purchases over physical media.

Despite lockdown restrictions and lockdowns, the video game retail market is showing surprising profitability. Last year, video game sales increased, reaching 18.2 million units, a 2% increase on 2019. When including sales of gaming consoles and PC accessories, total revenue reached $2.2 billion, an increase of 28% compared to 2019. This growth demonstrates the growing interest in video games and their importance in modern leisure, even during the pandemic.

Nintendo was the most successful publisher of physical copies of games in 2020, accounting for 20.5% of total sales. Electronic Arts came in second with a share of 12.4%. In digital sales, Ubisoft led with an 18% share. Electronic Arts again came in second, controlling 15% of the market.

In console game sales, the PS4 took the lead, accounting for 39.6% of total sales. This underscores the console's high popularity among gamers. However, data on digital sales for the Nintendo Switch is unavailable, making it difficult to analyze its full market share. However, at retail, the Switch holds a 35.1% market share, demonstrating significant interest in this console.

In 2020, sales of game consoles, including handheld devices, reached 3.16 million units. This 29.4% increase compared to 2019 highlights the growing interest in gaming systems and their popularity among users. Gaming consoles continue to be an important market segment, attracting the attention of both seasoned gamers and newcomers.

The Nintendo Switch confidently deserves the title of "Console of the Year", having demonstrated a 52.2% increase in sales. The PlayStation 5 came in second place in popularity, and the PlayStation 4 rounded out the top three. These results highlight the high consumer interest in gaming consoles, as well as the diversity of offerings on the market. The Nintendo Switch continues to attract attention thanks to its unique gaming features and diverse content, making it an ideal choice for gamers of all ages. The PlayStation 5, meanwhile, delights users with powerful graphics and exclusive games, which also contributes to its popularity.

In the UK, the PC accessory market is showing impressive growth, with sales of over 9.6 million units of controllers, headsets, merchandise, and peripherals. This is a 16.4% increase compared to 2019. Among the most popular products, the DualShock 4 wireless controller and the Xbox One gamepad stand out, continuing to be favorites among users. The rise in interest in gaming accessories indicates a growing passion for gaming and technology among British gamers.

In 2020, the UK saw the release of numerous console and PC games that gained popularity among gamers. We've compiled a list of the top 20 notable titles that have become real hits. These games offer a variety of gaming experiences, from gripping adventures to engaging strategy games. If you're looking for something to play, this list will help you choose the best titles of 2020. Check out these games that have left a significant mark on the gaming industry and given players unforgettable emotions.

European gaming market

123.7 million copies of video games were sold in Europe, which is 19% more than in 2019. Of these, 58.7 million copies were sold digitally, a 47% increase over the previous year. Despite restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of physical stores, physical game sales in continental Europe totaled 65 million copies. This is also 0.8% higher than in 2019. Thus, the European video game market continues to demonstrate robust growth even amid the crisis, confirming the high user interest in gaming products in both digital and physical formats.

To more accurately analyze the distribution of market share between physical and digital versions of games, it is necessary to exclude countries that do not track sales of physical and digital games from the calculations. It is also worth considering that companies such as Nintendo, Bethesda, and CD Projekt do not provide data on digital sales, which may distort the picture. According to the latest data, 59% of all games were sold digitally, while the remainder were sold on physical media. For comparison, in 2019, the share of digital sales was less than 48%. This indicates a significant increase in the popularity of digital games and a shift in consumer preferences towards the convenience and accessibility of digital platforms.

Given the immense popularity of football in Europe, it is unsurprising that FIFA 21 took the first place in the ranking of best-selling games, ahead of Grand Theft Auto V, which took the second position. The list of the most popular games also includes titles released before 2020. The top 10 includes FIFA 20, Red Dead Redemption 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. These games continue to attract players, confirming their relevance and demand in the market.

The next significant new release after FIFA 21 was Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which took third place in the ranking. Nintendo does not disclose sales data for digital versions of its games, which gives rise to the possibility that Animal Crossing: New Horizons could have taken a higher position in this list. This game attracted the attention of players with its unique gameplay and the ability to create and manage your own island.

In most countries where data on sales of physical and digital versions of games is available, FIFA 21 occupies a leading position. This is confirmed by statistics from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The only exception was Finland, where NHL 21 took first place. These sales data highlight the popularity of the football simulation FIFA 21 and its enduring appeal among gamers.

Nintendo is the largest physical game publisher in Europe, with a market share of over 28%. This figure is more than double that of EA, which ranks second. In digital game sales, Ubisoft leads the way with a share of almost 18%, ahead of EA, which ranks second. These data confirm the significant influence of Nintendo and Ubisoft on the European gaming market and highlight the importance of the strategies the companies employ to attract and retain players.

Consoles continue to dominate the digital gaming market, with PlayStation 4 taking the lead with 52% share. PC is second with 27% market share. It is important to note that many of the publishers represented in this analysis are known primarily for their console games. This highlights the importance of console platforms for the video game industry and their influence on player preferences.

PlayStation 4 continues to lead physical game sales, accounting for 43% of the market. However, the lead over Nintendo Switch, which accounts for 41%, is insignificant. In certain European countries, such as France and Germany, Nintendo Switch managed to take the top spot in sales, while in Italy and Spain, PlayStation 4 remains strong. Importantly, the sales dynamics of both consoles continue to change, making the video game market particularly competitive.

In 2020, action games became the most popular game genre, accounting for 27% of total sales, which is a 30% increase from the previous year. This significant increase is due to the successful sales of titles such as Grand Theft Auto, Assassin’s Creed, and Super Mario. Shooters took second place, but their sales decreased by 4% compared to 2019. This decline is explained by the decrease in the number of new games in this genre. In 2021, Call of Duty and Rainbow Six were the most successful shooters, continuing to attract the attention of players. The popularity of action and shooters indicates a growing interest in dynamic and immersive gaming experiences among audiences.

Strategy games showed the greatest growth, with sales increasing by 57% compared to 2019. The main factor in this growth was the successful promotion of Animal Crossing: New Horizons from Nintendo. This game attracted a wide audience and contributed to an increase in interest in strategy genres in general.

32% of games sold in the above markets have an 18+ age restriction, which is in line with 2019 figures. This fact underscores the stability of demand for adult content in the gaming industry, as well as the relevance of the themes and stories available in such games.

When analyzing game console sales, data from the Benelux countries, France, Switzerland, Northern Europe, Spain, and Italy were taken into account. In these regions, 5.59 million gaming units were sold, a 1.9% decrease compared to the previous year.

The Nintendo Switch confidently took its place as the best-selling console of the year. Sales of this console from the Japanese manufacturer increased by more than 22% compared to last year, which is three times the sales of the PS4, which took second place. PS4 sales declined by 42% in 2019, which is understandable given the release of the new generation of PlayStation in November. PlayStation 5 took third place in terms of sales, and the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles, along with Xbox One, are also in the ranking.

Despite the decline in console sales compared to the previous year, revenue increased by 12%, reaching €1.7 billion. This is due to rising prices for new gaming consoles, confirming the trend of increasing revenue in the video game industry despite falling demand.

The Nintendo Switch held the leading position in the market in continental Europe, excluding the Nordic countries. In Denmark and Finland, the PS4 console was the most popular, while in Sweden, the PS5 attracted the most attention from consumers.

In the Benelux countries, the Nordic countries, as well as France, Spain, and Italy, 18.4 million accessories, including controllers, headsets, and other additional devices, were sold. This sales growth indicates increased interest in gaming and multimedia products in these regions. Accessories play a key role in improving the user experience, making them an important segment of the electronics market.

The PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controller was the best-selling gaming accessory, which is unsurprising given the console's popularity in the region. Despite the upcoming PlayStation 5, demand for the DualShock 4 increased by 5%. Switch Joy-Con controller sales also increased by 32% year-on-year, but they were unable to surpass the DualShock 4 and took second place. The Xbox One controller came in third, with a 37% decline in sales year-on-year. This decline is due to the replacement of the Xbox One controller with the Xbox Series controller, which is compatible with previous-generation consoles. However, combined sales of both devices more than offset the decline. As a result, total revenue from gaming accessories reached €820 million, an increase of 14% year-on-year.

Top 20 Console and PC Games in Europe in 2020. This list includes the most popular and anticipated projects that captured the attention of players and critics alike. In 2020, the gaming world offered a diverse range of genres and unique game mechanics, making it an especially memorable year for gamers. From action games to role-playing games, strategy games to adventure games, there's something for everyone.

This ranking features both long-awaited sequels to well-known series and new original games that have managed to surprise players. High-quality graphics, captivating stories, and innovative solutions make these games a must-play for all video game enthusiasts. If you're looking for something to play or want to learn about the best projects of the year, this list will be a great reference point.

Japanese gaming market

Almost 6 million Nintendo Switch consoles sold, a 30% increase over 2019. This sales growth underscores the Nintendo Switch's enduring popularity among Japanese gamers and confirms its status as one of the country's leading gaming platforms.

Nintendo continues to hold the lead in the gaming console market, with the Switch accounting for 87% of all consoles sold last year, with 6.85 million units sold. The standard Switch sold 3.9 million units, while the Switch Lite sold just over 2 million. This success confirms the popularity of Nintendo consoles and their appeal to gamers.

Nintendo's console significantly outsold the PS4, which sold just over 543,000 units last year. The PS5, meanwhile, sold over 255,000 units. Nintendo continues to strengthen its position in the gaming console market, as evidenced by strong sales figures.

The Japanese video game market reached $3.5 billion, up 12.5% ​​from 2019. Consoles showed the greatest growth, increasing sales by 16.4% to reach $1.8 billion. Physical game sales also increased, reaching $1.75 billion, representing a 9% increase. The Japanese gaming market continues to show positive dynamics, confirming its importance in the global entertainment industry.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons became the best-selling physical game of the past year, which is no surprise to anyone. Since its release in March, the game has sold 6.4 million copies. This impressive achievement puts it significantly ahead of Ring Fit Adventure, which took second place with 1.6 million copies sold. Although Ring Fit Adventure was released back in 2019, it only managed to take tenth place last year with 500,000 copies sold. Thus, Animal Crossing: New Horizons demonstrates enormous interest and popularity among players, confirming its significance in the gaming industry.

Third place in the ranking was taken by the digital board game Momotaro Dentetsu: Showa Heisei Reiwa mo Teiban! This is a significant event, as the game is the first new game in the popular series in four years. In the first six weeks of release, Momotaro Dentetsu sold 1.23 million copies, confirming its high interest from players and success in the market.

The best 20 console and PC games of 2020 in Japan. This list includes the most popular and highly rated games that have won the hearts of players. In 2020, the Japanese gaming industry offered a plethora of exciting titles that became true hits on both consoles and PCs. These games boast engaging gameplay, stunning graphics, and compelling stories, making them a must-play. If you're looking for quality games that reflect Japanese culture and gaming style, this rating will help you make the right choice.