Consumer Software Sales Grow 15% in ’97

The consumer software market reached about $5.5 billion in worldwide revenue last year, a 15% increase, buoyed by strong sales to repeat customers and well-known brands, a study said. Home education software led all categories, with sales rising 17% in 1997, according to market researcher International Data Corp. Revenue in games and entertainment, the largest consumer software segment, grew about 15%, driven by strong demand for games that involved a lot of graphics. IDC attributed the growth in software sales to retailers that sold more titles at discounted prices to veteran computer users. Software sales during the holidays also benefited from strong brand recognition such as Mattel Inc.’s Barbie Magic Hairstyler and game sequels such as Broderbund Software Inc.’s Riven.