Video game and console sales soaring

17:06 14th January 2009

Sales of computer games and consoles have reached record levels despite the ongoing effects of the credit crunch, the Independent reports today (January 14th).

As retailers in most sectors struggle under the weight of falling consumer demand, the advent of family-friendly consoles such as the Nintendo Wii have kept sales on an upward curve.

Mike Griffith, the head of video game group Activision, explained recently at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that video game sales increased by 40 per cent in the four years to 2007.

He said: "Movies, recorded music and television - these are all stagnating or contracting entertainment sectors.

"Video games are poised to eclipse all other forms of entertainment in the year ahead."

Mr Griffith also noted that games such as 'Guitar Hero' have been a major hit, while titles like the new 'Quantum of Solace' - which become "legitimate story-telling mediums" - are also proving popular.

According to figures released by the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association, consumers spent £4 billion on hardware, software and accessories for games in 2008.