You can't believe everything you read on the Internet, but sometimes you see interesting stuff. For example,

last week it looked like some NPD monthly video game sales data for January 2010 had been leaked on NeoGaf.

Last week, the Internet worked itself up over some video game sales numbers for January 2010 that popped up on NeoGaf

(about two-thirds down page 46 is where the numbers start coming in from user AniHawk). Allegedly, the data was leaked from NPD Group numbers.

Today, GamePro can confirm that those numbers are not official NPD numbers. Furthermore, the NPD says many of the numbers are just plain wrong.

Their full statement -- including how NPD handles leaks in general -- is as follows:

Some of the [information] provided is incorrect or in an approximate range that is still way off base.

Still, we're always disturbed by leaks. Our client contracts and publishing policies are as clear as crystal.

Anyone caught distributing any information beyond what's usually allowed (e.g., a publisher can release its NPD sales numbers,

but not those of other publishers) is likely to lose their subscription rights - either temporarily or permanently.

This information is proprietary and confidential, and releasing any information beyond what is permitted does a disservice to themselves,

as well as every other subscriber out there. NPD's information is not intended to be dumped into public domain feeding troughs.

Many years ago, we decided to begin releasing a set amount of approved research to our media partners.

We worked closely with clients to set the stage for these monthly releases. The goal was to issue top-line sales research straight from the source vs.

alleged numbers that often times led to major business and industry trade/consumer media reporting on incorrect sales figures.

Unfortunately, what we release today doesn't seem to be enough for some.

In regards to this specific NeoGAF leak, NeoGAF staff has always worked closely with companies like NPD to ensure its users aren't posting unapproved information.

I've not been in the forums in awhile, but I often hear from associates and acquaintances about sales threads and how well the moderators police them.

I'm going to assume this is continuing, and that this latest leak was an anomaly and nothing more.

--David Riley
Director, Corp. Marketing
The NPD Group

Our question is, what would do with leaked NPD data anyway? Do people actually place bets on this stuff?

http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/213812/ndp-responds-to-leaked-data/

..................................................................................................

He'd be surprised as how many people takes these bets

Others just want to see games fail

so valkyria chronicles may not be overtracked?

Whoa. The condescension is so thick you could eat it with chopsticks.

everytime I've seen David Riley post something on the internet he comes across like a complete jerk, so this doesn't shock me at all.

The last NPD leak led to mass adjustments. Maybe they are just trying to brush it off.

Hope springs eternal. <3

:P

You still don't accept these sales

A vague, confusing, semi-denial from NPD PR isn't enough imo.  Especially coming from a known troll like Riley.  On the other hand, this probably kills any future leaks from NeoGAFs inner circle. :(

creamsugar needs to come back...

Meh, I've got vgchartz.

Someone on neogaf just wanted to make vgchartz look bad i think.