The video games industry made a reported £4.6 billion in 2022, making it the biggest form of entertainment in the UK.
As reported by GamesIndustry.biz (thanks Eurogamer), the £4.66 billion generated by the video games industry in the UK amounts to a 3.1% increase year-on-year.
Digital video game sales are on the rise
This news follows in the wake of a report from the Entertainment Retail Association (ERA), in which it is claimed that 89.5% of video game sales were digital. Furthermore, in terms of the money made from those sales, around £4.17 billion was generated by digital purchases.
Moreover, only £488 million was generated in physical sales in 2022, which is down by 4.5% year-on-year. We know that nearly £500 million is not to be sniffed at. However, when that is taken out of £4.6 billion, it’s a tiny amount in comparison.
Physical video game sales are down
“Gaming remains the often-unheralded leader of the entertainment market,” said Kim Bayley, the head of the Entertainment Retail Association.
“While growth at 2.3% was lower than that of video or music, its scale is enormous and in terms of innovation and excitement it continues to set the pace for the entire entertainment sector,” continued Bayley.
What’s more, in terms of the entertainment industry as a whole in the UK, which includes video games, movies/video and music, a whopping £11.1 billion was reportedly made.
The video/movie industry was the fastest growing
However, while the video game industry generated the most revenue in the UK with £4.66 billion, the movie/video industry was the fastest growing at £4.44 billion, which was an increase of 14.4%.
Finally, are you impressed by the mammoth sales numbers generated by the entertainment industry in the UK? Be sure to let us know across our social media channels.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our video of the week. 10 of the scariest horror games of all time are shown off. What is your favourite horror game?
Featured Image Credit: /Source: Eurogamer via GamesIndustry.biz