PORT WASHINGTON, NY – Despite the troubled economy, video game sales rose 19 percent in 2008, setting a new record, according to market research firm NPD Group.

Growth did slow in the 4th quarter but sales still rose 9 percent. December also was the first time that industry revenue exceeded $5 billion in one month.

Software sales rose 15 percent to $2.75 billion, with “Wii Play” the leading game.

For the year, software sales were at nearly $11 billion, while hardware sales rose 11 percent to $7.81 billion.

Online: www.npd.com/

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