NEW YORK—Video game sales in the U.S. leapt 43 percent to a record $17.9 billion in 2008 with growth in every product category. December alone saw a 28 percent increase.

Hardware sales rose 54 percent.

Market research firm NPD Group compiled the sales figures.

“While hardware sales realized the greatest percentage growth over 2006 due to the closely scrutinized console hardware transition, each category under the video games industry umbrella reached their own ‘personal bests’ in terms of annual sales,” said NPD analyst Anita Frazier.

NPD says sales are likely to slow this year.

“I wouldn’t count on similar growth in 2008, I would expect to see 2008 increase over 2007, with more growth coming from software sales, Frazier said.

On the Web: www.npd.com

Southeast Venture Conference, February 29 – March 1, 2012 at the Ritz Carlton in Tysons Corner, VA – Where Smart Money Meets Smart People.
www.seventure.org

© 2008, TechJournal South. All rights reserved.