November is the coolest month for new game launches. And this year, total digital revenue grew to $6.7 billion in November, up 13 percent from a year ago, according to market researcher Super Data Research.
Categories such as mobile, premium PC, console, and free-to-play online games all experienced growth. But console games saw the largest gain in digital game sales in November thanks to the launch of the blockbuster Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, as well as sustained revenues from Battlefield 1, which launched in October. Still, Infinite Warfare was down 27 percent from Call of Duty: Black Ops III a year ago.
Mobile games grew 19 percent from a year ago, while free-to-play online games grew only 3 percent. Pokémon Go continues to lead the top rankings with $128 million in November revenue as Niantic prepares for winter with physical location promotions. Although Pokémon Go is still generating impressive revenue, harsh winter weather is a major threat for the title. In response, Niantic is partnering with Sprint and Starbucks to turn select indoor locations into Gyms and Pokéstops, SuperData said.
Clash of Clans and Clash Royale earned a combined $210 million in November and the Clash franchise is getting its own animated cartoon series. Oculus has been proactive about getting consumers to try VR hardware via pop-up exhibitions, but Valve wants to democratize the market with a new SteamVR licensing model. PC VR companies have realized the importance of getting consumers to directly experience high-end VR. Oculus’ approach has been to set up brick and mortar exhibition centers in areas with high foot-traffic.
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Here are the results for the top 10 games of November:
PC
1. League of Legends
2. Crossfire
3. Dungeon Fighter Online
4. World of Warcraft
5. Battlefield 1
6. Overwatch
7. World of Tanks
8. DOTA 2
9. Fantasy Westward Journey Online II
10. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Console
1. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
2. Battlefield 1
3. FIFA 17
4. Grand Theft Auto V
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops III
6. Watch Dogs 2
7. NBA 2K17
8. Madden NFL 17
9. Gears of War 4
10. Destiny
Mobile
1. Pokémon GO
2. Monster Strike
3. Clash Royale
4. Clash of Clans
5. Mobile Strike
6. Game of War: Fire Age
7. Fantasy Westward Journey
8. Puzzles & Dragons
9. Candy Crush Saga
10. Clash of Kings
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