November proved to be a historically challenging month for the games industry in the U.S., with data from a Circana report revealing significant year-over-year declines in both hardware and physical software sales. Typically a period of robust consumer activity and one of the most crucial months for game sales, this November instead marked a steep downturn, making it the worst performance for the industry since 1995. This dramatic slump brings the industry back to levels not seen in nearly three decades, specifically since the launch of the original PlayStation in America just two months prior in 1995.

The report underscores a stark reality for game developers, publishers, and retailers alike, as the numbers unequivocally signal a period of disaster. The widespread drops across key segments such as gaming consoles and physical video games highlight a broader trend of decelerating demand or shifting consumer behavior within the U.S. market. This unexpected severity of the decline in a traditionally strong sales month raises questions about market dynamics, economic factors, or evolving preferences among the gaming populace, prompting industry stakeholders to reassess strategies moving forward.