UK games market sees quarterly drop

The UK games market dropped by 7.8% during the first quarter of 2010, it has been reported.

According to research conducted by MCV, the industry experienced a slump during the first 13 weeks of the year and saw a 10.8% drop compared to the same period in 2009.

Despite the downturn, the statistics showed that over 14 million games were sold during the quarter, bringing in revenue of £303m.

Although blockbuster titles including Mass Effect 2 and BioShock 2, and new hardware such as the DSi XL, were released during the quarter, the decline of the Wii, bad weather and a drop in overall consumer spending were blamed for the deficit.

"It's frustrating when you consider the quality of product that's out there," said HMV's Tim Ellis. "It shows the impact of the economic downturn. People are making fewer impulse purchases, whilst the market is also having to compete with other popular culture categories such as technology devices, licensed products and artist merchandising."

"Even things like gigs and festivals - if people are spending twice as much on this than they did five years ago then this represents disposable income that's heading in a different direction."

It was concluded that the industry's fortunes may change when Microsoft's Natal, Sony's Move and the Nintendo's 3DS arrive on the scene.