Video Games in the Netherlands

PROSPECTS

Digital console games continues to be strongest performer due to new launches

Video games software continued to hold the highest value share within video games, with digital console games continuing to be the strongest performer in 2018. New releases of popular games such as God of War and Red Dead Redemption, managed to create excitement amongst gamers, within a crowded landscape that included Call of Duty and Horizon: Zero Dawn.

Mobile and online games played on devices remain popular with both children and adults

Both mobile and online games continued to record positive performances in 2018. Mobile games are supported by consumers becoming increasingly engaged with social gaming as witnessed by the popularity of leading brand Pokémon Go.

AR/VR headsets an interesting niche

Remaining a niche since its arrival in the Netherlands mid-review period with the introduction of Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR, demand for AR/VR headsets nevertheless continued to grow strongly in 2018. An increasing number of brands followed including Sony’s PlayStation VR, HTC Vive and Facebook’s Oculus Rift.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Mixed results for leading players as demand for hand-held consoles wanes

There was no change to the rankings of leading players in video games in 2018, although they experienced mixed sales results. Activision Blizzard Benelux BV retained its leadership, although it lost some value share.

Smaller players have strong impact on mobile and online gaming

While the leading players faced declining sales, smaller players continued to emerge with exciting proposals for consumers, including Epic Games Inc, which continued to improve its ranking in 2018 following its initial entry in 2017. The company also managed to record triple-digit current value growth, due to its low sales base, with the arrival of Fortnite which launched in online games and took leadership of this category in 2018, while other well-known brands such as World of Warcraft, World of Tanks and Star Wars: The Old Republic suffered from strong declining sales.

Latest release from God of War enthusiastically greeted by gamers

2018 witnessed the newest launch of God of War by Sony Interactive Entertainment Benelux BV in both physical and digital console games. Its impact was immediate as it managed to enter in second position in both formats, pushing Grand Theft Auto in physical and Overwatch in digital to third position.

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