UK games market falls to £60.1m

UK software sales fell 30 per cent last week, as post-Christmas consumer spending slows down. Value for the week dropped to 60.1m, while unit sales fell 23 per cent.

This week’s performance was driven by the New Year sales and the continued success of Modern Warfare 2, which continues to hold the top position in the charts.

Ubisoft’s Just Dance also performed well, with sales of the game increasing 10 per cent last week.

Looking forward, Q1 is traditionally the quiet period for games. However, a plethora of big releases should ensure the next three months will be a robust time for the industry.

The first big releases hit today, with the launch of Sega’s Bayonetta and THQ’s Darksiders.