There has been some talks over whether or not the PC game market was on its way out for some time now but cold hard numbers are in to disprove that. The PC Gaming Alliance has released word that PC game sales generated $13.1 billion in 2009 which is apparently a 3% increase over 2008. The PCGA attributes most of these sales to digital distribution platforms such as Valve’s Steam even going so far as to say that boxed retail games make up for less that 20% of all revenue.
So folks, despite the fact that video game consoles are quickly becoming hard to decipher from PCs, the PC game market is still alive and well, for now, at least.

via cvg

While the video game industry has frequently been called recession proof, just like every other industry, it was hit pretty hard by the recession. Luckily, if analyst Michael Pachter is to be believed, the industry will be seeing a comeback this year.

Despite falling sales, the number of high tier titles set to drop in 2010 will, according to Pachter, give the industry a much needed boost. And who does Pachter say will reap the most benefits? GameStop, of course. Not only are they the premiere video game retailer in the country but new games sales added to used game sales are sure to give GameStop exec’s wallets a bit of padding.

But anyways, with titles such as Splinter Cell: Conviction, BioShock 2 and Gran Turismo 5 launching early this year, the games industry will definitely be seeing some rise regardless of what Mr. Pachter has to say.

via gi.biz

Even though franchises such as Monster Hunter and Dragon Quest have been seeing some ridiculously high numbers, it doesn’t mean that the Japanese gaming market is recession proof.

Recent reports are saying that sales were 24% lower in the first half of 2009 than they were in 2008. While this somewaht makes sense due to the fact thatlast year had games such as Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Monster Hunter Portable it’s proof that an economical recessions hurts all industries.

Luckily, buzz suggests that games such as Dragon Quest IX, Monster Hunter 3 and Fintal Fantasy XII (all shipping later this year0 will bring the Japanese gaming market back to its glory days.

Read (Joystiq)