2009’s Top Selling Video Games

We’re at the halfway point of 2009, so it seems a good time to take a look at what’s driving sales in the video game industry.

On the whole, this year hasn’t been overly kind so far. Software sales are down 6 percent compared to this point in 2008 – a $200 million shortfall. And while there have been a few solid hits, several of the year’s best selling games are over a year old.

It’s important to note that the first half of last year had some blockbusters, though, including “Grand Theft Auto IV” and “Mario Kart”. That tends to warp comparisons.

Year to date, the industry’s five top games have sold nearly 7 million copies cumulatively, according to NPD Group, which tracks sales in the video game industry. (Sales data for numbers six through ten was not available.) Nintendo, not surprisingly, continues to rule the charts, claiming four of the top five slots.

A look at the Top 10, year to date, follows – starting with a handful of recently launched and imminent titles that are showing strong initial sales or pre-orders – and could achieve a spot on the Top 10 list moving forward.

By Chris Morris, Special to CNBC.com
Posted 27 May 2009