Number of physical game stores rose in 2014

After years of decline, the number of physical shops selling games increased in 2014.

5,665 stores sold video game products last year, according to the Entertainment Retailer’s Association’s Yearbook. That’s an increase of 1.3 per cent year-on-year. And that number does not include every indie retailer, either.

The surprise growth in physical stores has also impacted other markets. The number of DVD and Blu-ray retailers rose 18.8 per cent, while music stores increased by 20.4 per cent. The success of movies and music is due to the rise in the number of supermarket convenience stores.

There has also been an increase in the number of digital stores. ERA says there are now 22 UK-based digital games retailers.

ERA CEO Kim Bayley said: This is an extraordinary result which means that UK consumers have a greater choice of outlets from which to buy music, video and games than ever before.”