According to NPD the US has spent about $5.9 billion, with a big fat B, on video games in the first quarter of 2011. The $5.9 billion compared to last years 2010 Q1 figures was actually a 1.5% increase in sales. Of course NPD took in account of gaming accessories, PC games, pre-owned games, online games, social sites, and game rentals. With the vast majority of entertainment being streamlined to consumers needs and wants, video games are in the express lane. Games being available from Redbox, Onlive, and even Gamefly for rentals, and for Steam, Direct 2 Drive, or XLBA and PSN for direct download means that games can be in gamer’s hands with a touch of a few buttons.
[Source NPD]