Innovative Game Shop Catalog for Playdate Handheld Surpasses 150,000 Games Sold in First Year
Playdate, the handheld gaming device from Panic, has seen significant success with its curated game shop Catalog, selling over 150,000 games in its first year on the market. Arisa Sudangnoi, head of Playdate developer relations, attributes this success to the vibrant game development community dedicated to creating inventive games for the platform.
Since its launch, Playdate has sold 70,000 units, with 38,000 users purchasing games through the Catalog store. The handheld debuted with a season of 24 games from notable developers, with 32,000 users still working their way through these titles. Currently, there are 181 games available in the Catalog store, generating over $544,000 in sales.
Greg Maletic, head of special projects at Panic, commented on the sales figures, stating that while Playdate game sales may not be enough to sustain a career, they provide a decent amount of revenue for a hobby. In addition to the Catalog store, Playdate games are also available through sideloading, with over 800 games accessible on platforms like Itch.io.
The success of Playdate and its Catalog store showcases the growing popularity of handheld gaming devices among consumers. With a dedicated community of developers creating unique and engaging games, Playdate has solidified its position as a top player in the handheld gaming market.
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