Australian games market grew 47% last year

According to figures released by GfK Retail and Technology Australia, the Australian videogames market has experienced a 47 percent growth in 2008.

Record sales were recorded for the industry, with numbers up to Australian $1.96 billion ($1.30 billion) for the country in total.

Software was up 57 percent, console sales 43 percent and peripherals 68 percent.

"Sales figures for the past two years actually show that the industry has grown over 112 per cent since 2006," said Ron Curry, Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia CEO.

"The industry has really witnessed phenomenal growth, which has largely been driven by people playing games together."

"There is a huge variety of games now on the market, with a wide selection for the entire family as well as specifically for adults, and it's a great way for people to spend time together," he added.

Thanks, GI.