Even though in 2008 in Japan things did not look too good game sales-wise, in Europe and especially in the UK things were a lot different. According to ELSPA reports quoted by Eurogamer, the videogame sales in the United Kingdom reached all time highs in 2008, with almost 83 million games sold (which mean that people spent GBP 1.9 billion or $2.8 billion).

The newly established record comes with a 23 percent increase from 2007 which, in terms of income and considering the touch economic times, is huge. However, there’s a reason why games did so well: family-friendly and casual titles.

“”Videogaming is increasingly bringing families together with the introduction of so many outstanding family-based console titles,” said ELSPA’s boss Michael Rawlinson.”These have really opened up the market to those who may never have even considered playing a videogame before.”

So, what do you think? Will the more hardcore titles be able to turn things around this year?

[Image credits: bitsaga]