15 billion dollars spent on video games in the USA in 2009

And after the BSA gets us out of fake numbers to complain about piracy

The NPD research group published a study last week on the value of the video game market in the United States (only software).

In 2009, between 15 and 15,25 billion dollars were spent by players. Of this sum, 10,5 billion dollars corresponds to games new in physical format, and between 4,5 and 4,75 billion dollars corresponds to the other distribution channels. These include the second-hand and rental market, and digital formats (full game downloads, additional content and games for mobile phones).

Players' digital spending is concentrated on the cheapest full games (e.g. Steam promotions) and additional downloadable content. These revenues are up sharply, along with those related to smartphones, and help to offset the decrease of 11% known in 2009 by physical sales.

The only games not counted are those of social networks, although they represent a substantial sum (Zynga for example could win $460 million in 2010 worldwide).