Part of the problem in reporting accurate video game sales data is the fact that sales of digital titles are not necessarily included in sales figures and reports. NPD Group, however, will soon start tracking digital game sales via Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, and Steam.
The move to tracking digital game sales will begin in NPD’s July report, which is set to come out on July 21st. According to gamesindustry.biz,
“Following several years of beta testing, the Digital Games Tracking Service will allow participating clients to understand the size and growth of the digital market, and analyze attach rates and other important metrics. Combined with physical data available by NPD, these clients can gain a better understanding of the interplay between the physical and digital sales channels.
Video Game publishers such as EA, Activision, Ubisoft, Capcom, Square Enix, Take-Two, Deep Silver and Warner Bros have signed on to support NPD in this process. However, many notable publishers, such as Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft have not signed up to support NPD. While data from these publishers won’t be included in the report, this may still be a step towards a future of more accurate reporting of video games sales data.
Further reading: Digital, Digital Download, Microsoft, Nintendo, Playstation, Sony, Xbox, Xbox One
