Judging by the latest global sales figures then it certainly looks likely. In 2008 the Market Value in the UK was 4.03bn UKP (+18.5% on 2007). Japan was worth 4.55bn UKP (down 15% on 2007). The US was way out in front at 14.89 bn (up 19% on 2007). So the way the trend is going 2009 could be the first time the UK has outsold Japan.
However, whilst the Japanese market was worth over £500m more than the UK in 2008, it also suffered a worrying 15.3 per cent decrease compared to 2007. The UK market, in contrast, enjoyed growth of 18.5 per cent, just a shade behind the US market. In fact, if the same rates of growth and decline occur in 2009, the UK market will be worth £4.77bn – almost a whole billion more than the Japanese market (£3.86bn). Could 2009 be the year the UK becomes the second most valuable games market in the world?
The data also highlights the gaming cultural differences across the 3 countries by listing the top 5 games sales for each. The UK and US are dominated by FIFA and Madden respectively while Pokemon and Monster Hunter are huge in Japan. The Wii though is cross border, with Mario Kart showing in all three lists and Wii Fit selling well in the UK and Japan.
Anyone surprised by the figures then? Ever thought you would see the day that the UK overtook Japan in gaming sales?
