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Posted by: Tate Steinlage

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Though game sales have taken a steep dive this year, even despite several triple-A releases, gamers are still spending a substantial amount of money on games. According to a NPD Group press release, US consumers spent $3.4 billion on various forms of video game content in Q1 2012. The numbers break down further: $1.5 billion spent on new PC and console games, $1.38 million spent on digital video game content, and $525 million spent on video game rentals and used game purchases.

The NPD Group’s Anita Frazier commented on the excellent numbers: “The declines in the physical market for new physical software are well documented. But, a broader view of the games industry shows that other physical content sales (the combination of used and rental) declined by just five percent and digital format content sales grew by 10 percent as compared to Q1 2011. While the growth in digital format sales does not yet offset the declines in physical format sales, clearly the changes occurring within the industry are reflected in the trends we are seeing in the research."

Though consumers may be sealing their wallets in terms of console sales, looking forward to next-gen hardware, it’s truly refreshing to see that games are still selling and at a fantastic pace. This fall’s lineup will undoubtedly be one of the best in recent memory, and will make 2012’s sales numbers even more impressive. Looking back at this year’s titles, though, which one would be your favorite thus far? Let us know by commenting below.

Source: [NPD Group press release]

Tags: Gaming, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii