According to figures from Top Global Markets, an integrated monthly report from the NPD Group, GfK Chart-Track Limited and Enterbrain, combined video game software unit sales across the world’s largest three markets experienced 11 percent growth in 2008.
Sales totaled 409.9 million units compared to 367.7 million units sold across these markets in 2007.
The increase in growth comes from both the United States and UK, with respective increases of 15 percent and 26 percent. Japan saw a 13 percent decline in 2008, which the report attributes to a decline in portable software, followed by console software.
Looking at the Japanese video game software market by platform, each system (PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360) experienced year-over-year growth.
“Looking ahead to 2009, a string of star titles are lined up to hit the market, including DS’s Dragon Quest IX: Hoshizora no Mamoribito,” said Ricky K Tanimoto, Global Marketing Analyst, Enterbrain, Inc.
“There are also big console titles scheduled for release in 2009, such as Monster Hunter 3 and Final Fantasy XIII — leading us to anticipate the console software market will fuel sales of this year’s gaming market.”
The United Kingdom had the largest aggregate growth as well as category growth, with console software seeing a 38 percent gain, and portable software increasing 6 percent. Growth in the United States saw console software increase 22 percent and portable software rise 2 percent.
“There are some incredible statistics within the Top Global Markets Report that highlight the differences between the three major markets in the world,” said Dorian Bloch, Business Group Director, GfK Chart-Track Limited. “
“In fact, UK console videogame software units are more than double what was achieved in 2003, which just shows how fast the UK market has been growing. Because of this amazing growth and coupled with the downturn currently being experienced in Japan, the UK market has for the first time overtaken Japan as the No2 world market. Although still behind on revenue, the gap has narrowed considerably and it will be interesting to see how things develop during 2009.”
