The Australian games industry, it's serious business.
Sure, we may be getting screwed over console hardware and software prices. Our exchange rate with the American dollar is something like .90, and whereas they pay $50 US for their games, we pay over $100 AU for ours. Go figure. But that hasn't hampered the enthusiasm for interactive games by Australians in the slightest. The Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia has announced some some exciting stats snatched from those GFK people that boasts:
- more than 5.5 million games and almost 500,000 consoles sold since January 1, 2007
- overall increase of 30% over the last six months
- AUD$1 billion in sales over the past financial year
5.5 million games sold! That's quite a hefty number considering we're such a small population of just 20 million. I do wonder whether resold games are counted in there as well, considering the booming market for pre-owned games at places like EB Games who really tave taken the definition of "sale" to new boundaries.
?This is a spectacular result for the Australian gaming industry,? said Chris Hanlon, CEO of the IEAA. ?Breaking through the $1 billion mark highlights the seriousness and sheer scale of the industry in Australia.
?Australians are embracing interactive gaming as a preferred form of entertainment and the industry will continue to grow as the technology, games and equipment become even more sophisticated,? he continued.
Click on the following link to grab the IEAA press release in PDF format...
i don't see them reducing the price of games here in australia, especially since we buy them at great numbers for the higher price anyway.
Yea, considering the US pay (I think) $60 USD for a new game which is currently $70 AUD, it's understandable to feel ripped off when you see new games in EB for $100-120. I've seen a second hand game for $115 in there too. Which is exactly the reason why I never buy anything from EB.