Last year was a record-setter for video game sales in Australia, with over $2 billion spent on consoles and software..

Despite an uncertain economic climate, Australians snatched up more video game products than ever, with family-focussed games taking up a big piece of the pie with a 27% market share. When you consider Kevin Rudd’s economic stimulus payouts, which were mostly spent on home luxury items, we can understand why Aussies were so keen to spend their dosh on games.

The figure of $2.05 billion is 4% higher than the previous year, when overall sales fell just short of the $2 billion mark. Software sales rose by 6% overall, whilst console sales held steady with 2.249 million units sold, edging out last year’s figure of 2.247 million. The figures for gaming peripherals showed the highest growth, rising 31% from last year - that’s a hell of a lot of plastic guitars, controllers and steering wheels.

The news is welcome to retailers and developers alike, as concerns over a fledgling games market can be put at ease. “Australia’s interactive entertainment industry continues to maintain sales despite the global economic slowdown. Video games remain a popular household pastime that can be played by the entire family,” said Ron Curry, CEO of Australia’s Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (iGEA).

Source: GfK via iGEA