Australian Games industry records another bumper financial year

[shams]

Its the growth % that is impressive.

And - the *average* price of games has basically CRASHED over the last 1-2 years. Its astounding that we now get $40 CONSOLE games advertised, and even some $30 (AU) games. Back in the GC generation, the average launch title was $99, and a cheap title was $80 or $90.

The last 3 games I bought were all in the $30 range (actually going to play them, then trade them in at JB for Brawl - meaning I "effectively" pay about $50 for Brawl...).

I was at EB a couple of days ago, and its just insane. It no longer looks like a "video games store" - it looks closer to a $2 shop, that is having a clearance sale. Thousands of unorganised games... everywhere.

I'm sure most of the issue is being caused by the 2nd-hand market & resale.

But considering how much average prices have fallen, and how much the resale market has boomed - its amazing that the industry has grown by so much.

It just shows that the *best* way to boost an industry, is open it up and allow prices to fall significantly.

(on the contrary, movie ticket prices keep rising - now almost $17AU to see ONE movie!! - no surprise we just don't go to the movies anymore - two tickets cost more than a new game...)