Game sales in Sweden grow 52%

Game sales revenues have grown with an impressive 51.8 % during the first half of 2008 compared to the same period last year. Unit sales are up 13 %, which signifies a shift towards more expensive games (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360) from cheaper ones (PC, PS2, PSP). The survey only accounts for retail products, and it is noted from the Swedish Games Industry that the decrease in PC sales can to some degree be attributed to the rise of digital distribution. Another explanation might be that sales for World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (launched Q1 2007) were exceptional (definitively accounting for more than 10% of the loss).

The following games have been singled out as the best sellers in Sweden for the first two quarters: Grand Theft Auto IV, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, Mario Kart Wii and Singstar: Svenska Hits Schlager.

Units: (units sold Q1+Q2 2008 (change year over year) / market share)

Nintendo DS 202 039 (+16,7%) / 7,1%
PSP 47 594 (-37,5%) / 1,7%
Wii 340 866 (313,2%) / 11,9%
Playstation 2 525 086 (-1,1%) / 18,4%
Playstation 3 368 432 (296,0%) 12,9%
Xbox 360 376 726 (157,5%) 13,2%
PC 992 336 (-24,8%) 34,7%
Others 6 551 (-94,1%) 0,2%

Total 2 859 630 (13,0%)

Source: Swedish Games Industry / Dataspelsbranschen