Game Sales in the first half of 2009 decreased by 4.6 percent in
figures and 10.4 percent in value compared to the same period in
2008. Among the bestselling titles of the first six months' include
The Sims 3, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, Wii Fit and
SingStar Abba.
- The first six months show more positive trends with several
games maintaining a high level of sales over a longer period. Not
unexpectedly, advance bookings for upcoming games have provided
indications that the next six months will be very strong. Many of
the upcoming titles also have a long sales period to look forward
to," said John Häll, vice president of MDTS, which together with
Spelplan-ASGD make up the Swedish games industry.
One major factor is price cuts and the introduction of new models.
Price cuts to the PS3 and Xbox 360 have seen consumers who had
initially been hesitant because of the economic situation biting
the bullet to buy a new console. Even the price of the Wii is due
for a drop at the start of October. This has led to increased game
sales on the console with the trend expected to continue and make
an impact in the autumn.
The statistics also show that PC gaming continues to remain the
biggest format, despite the fact that digital distribution is not
included in the analysis. Legal download services have presented a
wider selection of directories to choose from, which has also led
to a rapid increase in digital distribution. Swedish games industry
has long term goals to integrate digital distribution into the
statistics in the immediate future.
The stationary consoles, such as the PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii
and Xbox 360 are relatively stable and primarily reduce its stake
sales in value by around 13-15 percent.
- It is natural when cheaper editions of games are released, and
that those who have already invested in the game with enhancements
instruments, microphones and the like purchasing a new standalone
game that is sold without these enhancements, "says Martin Lindell,
an analyst at the Swedish games industry.
As a result of Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony reluctance to provide
sales figures for their respective digital distribution outlets
that include Xbox Live Arcade, WiiWare / Virtual Console and PSN,
they have not been included in the statistics.
The portable gaming devices have taken a large step forward. Game
sales of the Nindendo DS and PSP have both risen by around 30
percent. Behind the increases are new games like Pokemon Platinum
for DS, as well as reduced prices on more established games like
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core and the GTA series on PSP.