Combined boxed and digital video game sales in the U.S. declined 9% in 2012, according to NPD Group figures as reported by Gamasutra.  Boxed video game sales declined 22% and digital sales were up 16% to create the 9% combined decline.  All game sales (not including hardware or accessories) totaled $14.8 billion in 2012, according to the report. 

The rapid decline in boxed sales had been visible by the end of summer (see "2012 Videogame Sales Down 20%"). 

Collateral damage from the market’s decline includes a game maker in bankruptcy (see "THQ Files Bankruptcy") and the closing of hundreds of Gamestop stores (see "Gamestop Closing 250 Stores").