Video Games Sales are Recession-Proof

While most industries are struggling to pull respectable numbers in the current climate of economic uncertainty, the main video gaming companies don't seem to have too much complain about. November 2008 numbers outdid those from 2007 by an impressive 10 percent. I guess people need entertainment even when they are struggling financially.

By far the biggest beneficiary of this boon is gaming icon Nintendo. Analysts were predicting a best case scenario of 1.4 million units sold in November. Nintendo floored them by selling over 2 million. Nintendo DS was the second most successful hardware unit selling over 1.5 million. Nintendo's success is being attributed to a mix of marketing clout, eventual ability to match supply and demand and a host of popular software options.

Microsoft is proud of leaving Sony in the dust but it's still well behind Nintendo. Microsoft does however take pride in its improved performance in Europe where its growth rate beat out the competitors. Sony is hoping the introduction of its virtual domain titled Home will bring in more users.

In terms of software, the top two slots are taken by Xbox 360 games followed by a serving of Nintendo classics. The combination of Wii Music, Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii as exclusive Wii titles is helping Nintendo holds its own in software sales. But in some ways its further evidence that Nintendo has not succeeded in forging effective alliances with third party developers and may continue to miss out on some "must have" titles.