Video Games in the Netherlands

PROSPECTS

The launch of Nintendo Switch spurs value growth in video games

Video games value sales increased impressively in 2017 thanks to the launch of the Nintendo Switch console. The console was well received amongst Dutch consumers, with the product sold not only in media products stores but also widely in traditional toys and games stores and electronic and appliances specialist stores in addition to internet retailing.

AR/VR headsets growing, but not yet impressively

Since the launch of the AR/VR headsets in 2015, the products have been warmly received in the Netherlands but the rate of growth has not been impressive. Despite the reduction in prices of the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift in 2017, this has not helped the category to grow as robustly as expected.

Video games software led by console game sales

Console games continued to be the largest category in video game software sales, being driven mainly by console games (digital). Thanks to video games such as Horizon Zero Dawn and Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds, console games (physical) managed to record growth in 2017, but, over the forecast period, this is expected to change as the shift towards digital video games continues.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Nintendo Benelux BV records strong growth thanks to the success of the Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Benelux BV was the fastest-growing company in 2017 thanks to the unexpected success of its Nintendo Switch, which was launched in March 2017. The company, which had lost share over the previous period, became the number two company in 2017 behind Activision Blizzard Benelux BV.

Leading video games software companies lose value share to up-and-coming companies

Leading video games software companies lost value share to up-and-coming companies in 2017. Value sales of Activision Blizzard Benelux and Electronic Arts Benelux increased slightly thanks to the success of their recently established games, such as Overwatch and Destiny by Activision and the Sims by Electronic Arts.

Strong performance by local company Guerrilla BV thanks to the success of the Horizon Zero Dawn game

The most successful games are produced by American companies and Dutch firms feature less in game development. Guerrilla Games produced other slightly well-known games series such as Killzone, but it is Horizon Zero Dawn which brought the most success to the company.

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