Software

While 2007 is remembered as a major year for revenue-powerhouses with the release of Halo 3, Call of Duty 4, BioShock, Guitar Hero III and Assassin's Creed, 2008 was up to the software challenge, generating $10.96 billion, a 26 percent year-on-year increase. Growth wasn't as dramatic as it was between 2006 and 2007, which saw a 34 percent software sales jump, but considering the poor economy and tough comp, 2008 performed quite well.



But despite these gains, success was not shared between all game companies, NPD analyst Anita Frazier noted: "We get asked a lot why there are so many layoffs and studio closings occurring in the industry when it has just realized another record-breaking year. This is not a case of the rising tide lifting all boats. The increases are not being enjoyed equally by all manufacturers and publishers."

Judging by the top-selling games list of 2008, the software "winner" by units was Nintendo, which laid claim to five out of the 10 top slots; the top four slots belonged to the game maker.

Below is another graph that more clearly illustrates the software growth trend of 2008.