Fortnite led digital game sales in 2019

Fortnite generated more revenue than any other digital game in 2019, according to research from Nielsen’s SuperData.

Epic’s game generated $1.8 billion in 2019 to claim the top spot for the second year running, ahead of Dungeon Fighter Online ($1.6b), Honour of Kings ($1.6b), League of Legends ($1.5b), Candy Crush Saga ($1.5b) and Pokemon Go ($1.4b).

“The enduring popularity of Fortnite is partially attributable to crossover promotions with pop culture blockbusters like Avengers, Stranger Things and Star Wars,” SuperData said in its 2019 review.

Monthly Fortnite revenue slumped to a near two-year low in September 2019, ahead of the launch of Fortnite Chapter 2, the research firm said previously.

Overall digital games revenue rose 3% year-over-year to reach $109.4b in 2019. Free-to-play games accounted for 80% ($87.1b) of the total, with notable new launches including Apex Legends and Destiny New Light.

Mobile titles accounted for almost 60% ($64.4b) of digital game spending last year, led by the likes of Candy Crush Saga and Honour of Kings, while new titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Mario Kart Tour also attracted hundreds of millions of players.

But total premium game revenue fell 5% year-over-year to $18.9b, led by FIFA 19 ($786m), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare ($645m) and Grand Theft Auto V ($595m).