The NPD Group recently released stats for the US gaming sector for the month of July 2014. The results were a mixed bag, with strong hardware sales being offset by declines in software sales. The declining figures are part of a downward trend seen over the past nine months.

Overall, video game sales generated US$514.3 million, up from US$443.1 million in July 2013.

Hardware sales doubled year-over-year this July. The stronger numbers stem from growth in eighth-generation console sales. Nine-month sales of Xbox One and PS4 outstripped sales from the same period in 2013 for the prior generation (Xbox 360, PS3) of hardware by close to 80%.

According to The NPD Group, two factors caused the decline in software sales this month: reduced sales for new launches, and the decline in seventh-generation software not being completely offset by eighth-generation sales. Growth in spending on accessories was driven by sales of gamepads, interactive gaming toys and headsets/headphones.

The top 10 games for July 2014 (new physical retail games, across all platforms including PC) are as follows:

1. The Last of Us (PS4, PS3)

2. Minecraft (360, PS3)

3. FIFA 14 (360, PS4, XBO, PS3, PSV)

4. Watch Dogs (PS4, 360, PS3, XBO, PC)

5. Mario Kart 8 (NWU)

6. Call of Duty: Ghosts  (XBO, 360, PS4, PS3, NWU, PC)

7. Grand Theft Auto V (360, PS3)

8. Sniper Elite III (PS4, XBO, 360, PS3)

9. NBA 2K14 (360, PS3, PS4, XBO, PC)

10. Lego Marvel Super Heroes (360, PS3, 3DS, NDS, PS4, NWU, XBO, PSV, PC)