Video Game Sales Tumble to 19 Percent in October

October was a tough month for the gaming industry as video games sales slumped to 19 percent.

After a slight reprieve in September, U.S. video game sales slumped once again in October, hurt by the economic turmoil that’s cutting into consumer spending.

Market researcher NPD Group said Thursday that total sales of video game hardware, software and accessories fell 19 percent in October from the same month last year, to $1.07 billion.

Sales of gaming hardware fell by nearly a quarter to $380.7 million. Software sales declined 18 percent, to $572.7 million.

The Wii from Nintendo Co. was the month’s best-selling gaming system, followed by the handheld DS, also from Nintendo. Sony’s PlayStation 3 was in third place.

NPD says the top games included “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves” and “Wii Fit Plus.” Some of the holiday season’s most anticipated games are launching this month.