Consumer spending in the US gaming market experienced a notable resurgence in October, driven largely by the highly anticipated launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The latest installment in the iconic first-person shooter series not only claimed the top spot in monthly sales but also bolstered overall industry revenue, particularly in the content and subscription sectors.

Data from Circana reveals that total spending across hardware, software, and accessories grew by 10% year-on-year, reaching an impressive $4.7 billion. Of this, content sales contributed the lion’s share at $4.23 billion, marking a 12% increase compared to October 2023. Hardware sales, however, saw a decline, dropping by 23% to $249 million.

The debut of Black Ops 6 was a significant catalyst for this growth. The game quickly ascended to the top of October’s sales charts and secured its position as the third best-selling title of 2024 to date. Its availability on Game Pass played a pivotal role, as subscription spending for non-mobile platforms saw a 16% uptick. Xbox reported record-breaking Game Pass subscriptions during the game’s launch window, underscoring its impact on the platform’s ecosystem.

Console content emerged as the standout contributor to the rise in spending, with digital full-game sales driving a remarkable 27% increase compared to the same period last year. PlayStation platforms dominated Black Ops 6 sales, accounting for 82% of the game’s console revenue during October. Furthermore, the title’s initial two-week sales outpaced its predecessor, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023), by 23%, highlighting the series’ enduring popularity.

The month also saw a surge of new entries in the top ten charts, with Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero debuting at No. 2 and Silent Hill 2 (2024) taking third place. Other notable releases included Dragon Age: The Veilguard at No. 6, Sega’s Metaphor: ReFantazio at No. 5, and Sonic X Shadows Generations at No. 9.

Overall, October’s gaming market dynamics showcased the continued dominance of blockbuster franchises and the increasing influence of digital and subscription models in shaping industry trends. As the holiday season approaches, the momentum set by titles like Black Ops 6 positions the industry for a strong finish to the year.