... because if they don't, I think 2009 might be when we see an impact in gaming hardware sales. Things are going to get rough in the unemployment camp this year, more in USA at the beginning and then spreading to Europe and other places.

Millions of people will probably lose their jobs, then they will either not buy consoles or perhaps sell their used ones away which might take away from new console sales.

Do you think unemployment will cause a reduction in hardware/software sales?

I rent out my basement and I from experience from all the unemployed people that have rented from me is YES. But they'll be old systems. Most likely PS2. Something cheap with lots of cheap games.

Think about it, a $15 game that sucks up 20-100hrs is way cheaper than any other form of entertainment (aside from TV)

Depends on whether that country has benefits for unemployed people.

If they do not, it will be hard for an unemployed person to buy something.

If they do: why not?

Well in the UK a lot of unemployed people and families have cars, satellite tv subscriptions and manage to eat at Mcdonalds quite often, so I imagine they have consoles too.

First thing I did when I got unemployed was buy a console - as I knew I would have a lot of time on my hands.

It is a lot cheaper than some of the alternatives.

It probably differs between the long term unemployed and those recently unemployed. If you get some sort of payoff there is some immediate cash in pocket that has to go somewhere.

So, if there is going to be an impact related to unemployment I would expect it to hit in maybe 12 months time.

Do you have some sort of huge and long-term unemployment benefit?

Well I bought a Computer, Xbox, 360 and a PS3 by myself.
And I wouldn't count student as a job...

Unemployed people are depressed and have a lot of free time so they'd probably play more video games. ;)

I know enough people who are unemployed and buy games. They spend less money on going to restaurants/trips/, go to cheaper supermarkets etc...

And then buy games to kill the time.

Um does a student count as unemployed?