UK Gaming Market Sees Dip in June, But Accessories Shine

The UK gaming industry experienced a mixed performance in June 2024, with a decline in overall console and PC game sales, but a surge in accessory sales, particularly for the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller. The data reveals a shifting landscape in the gaming market, with some titles thriving while others struggle to maintain momentum.

Navigating the Changing Tides of the UK Gaming Industry

Decline in Console and PC Game Sales

The UK gaming market saw a 14% drop in console and PC game sales in June 2024 compared to the same period the previous year. This decline can be attributed to a relatively quiet release schedule, with fewer high-profile game launches compared to the previous June. However, the industry remains resilient, with several titles continuing to perform well.

EA Sports FC 24 emerged as the top-selling game in the UK, benefiting from the ongoing European Championship competition in Germany. The game's strong performance underscores the enduring popularity of the football genre and the brand's ability to captivate fans. In contrast, the launch of F1 24 from EA was somewhat disappointing, with sales down 44% compared to the previous year's F1 23 release.

Elden Ring, the acclaimed action-RPG from FromSoftware and Bandai Namco, experienced a resurgence in sales, rising 19 places in the charts and seeing a 467% month-on-month increase. This can be attributed to the release of the game's expansive new DLC, "Shadow of the Erdtree," which has provided a significant boost to the base game's performance.

Shifting Console Market Dynamics

The console sector in the UK saw a slight decline of 9% in June 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. All three major platforms – PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch – experienced a slight dip in sales.

Despite the overall decline, the PlayStation 5 remained the market leader, selling more units than the other two platforms combined. The Xbox Series S and X consoles narrowly overtook the Nintendo Switch, with both platforms broadly neck-and-neck in year-to-date sales. The console sector in the UK has seen a 29% decline in unit sales and a 31% decline in revenue this year, driven by factors such as the strong performance of the PS5 in the first half of 2023 and the aging of the Nintendo Switch.

Accessory Sales Shine Bright

While the console and PC game sales experienced a downturn, the accessory market in the UK saw a significant surge, with a 16% increase in sales compared to the same period in 2023. This growth was largely driven by strong promotions on the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, which dominated the top-selling accessory charts.

The Midnight Black, White, Cosmic Red, and Starlight Blue variants of the DualSense controller were the top four best-selling accessories in the UK during June 2024. Additionally, GfK data revealed that as many extra DualSense controllers have been sold as PS5 units, indicating that the average PS5 customer has one additional controller.

The increased demand for the DualSense controller can be attributed to its popularity among PlayStation 5 owners, who appreciate the controller's advanced features and immersive haptic feedback. The lower average selling price of the controller in June compared to May also likely contributed to the surge in sales.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape

The UK gaming industry's performance in June 2024 highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the market. While the overall console and PC game sales experienced a decline, the rise in accessory sales, particularly for the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, suggests that players are investing in enhancing their gaming experiences.

As the industry continues to evolve, game developers and publishers will need to closely monitor consumer trends and adapt their strategies accordingly. The success of titles like Elden Ring and the enduring popularity of the EA Sports FC franchise demonstrate the importance of delivering high-quality, engaging content that resonates with players.

Looking ahead, the gaming industry in the UK will need to navigate the shifting landscape, leveraging new technologies, trends, and consumer preferences to maintain its position as a thriving and dynamic sector. By staying agile and responsive to market changes, the industry can continue to captivate and entertain players across the region.