While the economy may not be doing so hot, the video game industry shows no indication of hitting the pause button.

According to a news release from the Entertainment Software Association, software and peripheral sales in 2008 were up 22.9 percent over 2007. Sales reached $22 billion, $11.7 billion of which were software sales.

"Even in difficult economic times, the video game industry continues to support our country's local, state and national economies with record-breaking sales figures and rapid technological innovation," President and CEO Michael D. Gallagher said in the release. "Our industry's exceptional creators, artists and storytellers, coupled with a commitment to providing unparalleled entertainment, have fueled high-octane growth, turning video games into the most sought-after medium on the market today."

Benjamin Baker, customer experience manager at Best Buy in Carbondale, said game sales are not slowing down, especially in Nintendo's corner. He said since the console debuted more than two years ago, the systems will not stay on the shelves.

"The Wii system is still the hottest item we have in gaming," Baker said.

He said much of its success can be contributed to Nintendo's software. He said with first-party titles such as Mario Kart and Wii Fit, people are more apt to get the system to get to the games.

"Nintendo did a really good job with their software," Baker said.

According to the NPD Group, a provider of consumer and retail market research, retailers sold about 297.6 million computer and video games in 2008. Console software reached $8.9 billion, PC games were at $701.4 million and portable software reached $2.1 billion.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

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