Record Amount Spent On UK Gaming

Even before the last two weeks of the year, over $3 billion has already been spent in 2007.

Gaming is bigger than ever in the UK. According to a BBC report, the country has already spent over $3 billion on gaming this year – and that was only counting until the middle of December, before the final holiday push. That’s an increase of 25% on 2006.   Even as it stands, game titles represent almost 80% of the software sold in the country. In the third quarter of ’07 console sales were up one-third over the previous time the year before, with a total of 11 million sold during this year, covering all machines.   But with demand high for the PS3 and the Wii (which has been out of stock at most retailers for weeks) it’s hardly surprising, since gaming, both hardcore and casual is enjoying unprecedented popularity, with many new titles finding acclaim.   "Videogaming is enjoyed by everyone, young and old, male and female," Paul Jackson, director general of industry body Elspa, told the BBC.   More than 78 million game titles have been sold in the UK this year.