Sales of games and puzzles in U.S. outlets tracked by NPD Group were up 3% in 2017, the company announced. That represented a significant slowdown from the 18% growth NPD reported in the same category in 2016 (see "Collectibles, Games Led Toy Business Growth in 2016"). NPD noted that the bulk of the 2017 growth was the result of increases in Pokemon sales in the first eight months of the year, which it tied to the 2016 release of Pokemon Go.
Overall toy industry sales grew 1% in the U.S. in 2017, so games were still tracking faster growth than the market as a whole.
Sales of collectibles, which were up 33% in the U.S. in 2016, were up globally by 14% in 2017 (NPD did not break out the U.S. growth rate), still a robust growth rate, but less than half the rate in the U.S. in 2016.
Another category that crosses over with geek culture, action figures and accessories, was down 5% in the U.S. in 2017, tied at least in part to declines in sales of Star Wars toys (see "Sales of 'Star Wars' Toys Decline").
NPD’s Retail Tracking Service collects sales data from major brick and mortar and online retailers, which it estimates account for 80% of the U.S. toy business.
According to NPD Data
Posted by Milton Griepp on February 23, 2018 @ 4:34 am CT
MORE GAMES
'Death Korps of Krieg,' Also, New 'Astra Militarium Codex'
November 22, 2024
Games Workshop unveiled Death Korps of Krieg boxed set, for Warhammer 40,000.
First Graphic Novel Coming in Mid-2025
November 22, 2024
The first graphic novel adaptation is slated for release in mid-2025.
MORE NEWS
Plus: Mothra Gets First Solo Series
November 22, 2024
IDW Publishing will launch the first-ever Mothra series in 2025.
New Premium Figure
November 22, 2024
WizKids will release Adult Red Dragon Tyrant, a new premium figure for D&D Icons of the Realms, into retail.