Video game sales up as people stay home during COVID-19 pandemic

AUSTIN, Texas - As people are staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic, many are turning to video games to help pass the time.

Video game studios like Fallen Tree Games are seeing more new players.

“A lot of us in the industry we were nervous that it would hurt us in a negative way and obviously it’s early but so far the early signs are very positive,” said Fallen Tree Games art director Lewis Boadle. “Based on the initial reports that we have it looks like we are experiencing a 30 percent increase in both mobile and our console games."

They aren’t the only ones seeing a boost in business. NPD, a research firm who tracks retail sales, reports the video game industry as a whole is seeing a 35 percent gain in sales versus this time last year.  “People are at home and they want to socialize with their friends,” said Boadle on how people are gaming with their friends as a way to hang out.

Overall Boadle said he was surprised their industry is doing as well and is hopeful it will open the eyes for more people to enjoy a hobby he’s very passionate about.

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“It’s not just a past time for teenage boys anymore, it’s all walks of life, all types of people are playing games, it’s no longer the nerdy domain,” said Boadle.

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