U.K. games industry sales figures for Q1, 2008

According to data released yesterday by the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) and compiled by Chart-Track, the UK games industry earned a record total of £418.4 million (US $828.9 million) in software sales in the first quarter of 2008.

Nintendo was the biggest winner, with 37% of all unit sales thanks to the success of its Wii and DS consoles, which took the top two spots. The PC was the third most popular hardware platform for game sales, followed by Microsoft's Xbox 360. The report also showed that "Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games" was the best-selling game in the first quarter.

ELSPA's director general, Paul Jackson, used the release of the figures as an opportunity to urge the government to increase its support of the UK games industry. He said, "The UK continues to blaze a trail in terms of creativity yet over the last few years it is becoming apparent that some talent is being lured away by more attractive prospects overseas. As it stands, the UK is already down to fourth place from third as the world's creative centre for games. It is time the Government recognised the massive financial contribution we make to the UK economy, especially when compared to the film, TV and music industries."

A very sensible point, in my opinion. I hope the UK government listens and acts accordingly.