Game Industry Sales Down 10% in August

Madden 11′s amazing sales of 1.8 million units, up 6% from last year, were not enough to raise the revenues of the industry as a whole. According to NPD, game sales totaled $403.5 million, down a whopping 14% compared to August of last year. Hardware fared better, dropping only 5% to $415.3 million.

The Nintendo Wii took the biggest hit, with the lowest monthly sales it has had since the console was released. Nintendo fans, don’t despair. Metroid: Other M was not in these numbers. It’s release date of August 31st meant that NPD was unable to track its sales for that single day. Nintendo should get a nice jump in September.

Last August was helped immensely by the release of Batman: Arkham Asylum. This year, there really wasn’t a title that would match up to that amazing game. Mafia II has sold well, but nowhere near what Gotham’s favorite son was able to do.

via LA Times