Video games overtake movies in the UK

It had to happen eventually -- and sooner rather than later it would seem! Today I am proud to be a crumpet-eating, tea-drinking subject of the Queen because in the UK, video games outsold movies in 2009. A total of of $2.8 billion was spent on video games, while only $1.93 billion was spent on DVD, Blu-ray and box office sales. That's not just a minor victory, that's a frackin' landslide.

These shocking (and awesome) numbers come from a report that also says there are now 25 million games consoles in the UK, or theoretically up to 90% of all households. Sure, some households will have multiple consoles, but that's still pretty damn solid market penetration!

I can only assume that modern distribution channels like Steam and Xbox Live are driving the incredibly rapid growth of the games industry. Perhaps this is finally the wake-up call that the film industry needs: content needs to be high quality and easily obtainable and reasonably priced -- not just two out of three.

You need to get us out of our houses somehow, or better yet: give us a reason to watch a film instead of playing Modern Warfare 2.

I'm also curious to see if other countries will release similar figures for 2009, or if the UK is actually leading the most important, contemporary charge of the 21st century.

[via CNET]

Tags: console, film, games, movies, uk