FIFA 08 tops 2007 UK sales charts

With events such as the Manhunt 2 ban, the merger of Game and Gamestation, and the launch of the PlayStation 3, 2007 was certainly a notable year for news in UK gaming. According to the latest figures from data trackers Chart Track and industry body the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association, it was a pretty big year for sales too.

UK sales were up a "staggering" 16 percent on games sold over the previous year, reports the two trade bodies. A total of 75.9 million units were sold in 2007, adding up to £1.72 billion (about $3.3 billion) in hard cash, which was a 26 percent increase on 2006.

Handheld systems were big winners in 2007 and sold more in total than in any of the previous years. The Nintendo DS format sold the biggest number of games, and the handheld market now accounts for nearly a third of the entire market. Last year it had just over a quarter.

Format-wise, it is likely no surprise to anyone that the Nintendo DS came out on top, followed by the PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Wii, and PlayStation 3. It was the first year since 2003 that the PlayStation 2 had not held the top spot.

The top-selling game in the UK for 2007 was FIFA 08, followed by stalwart Dr Kawashima's Brain Training, then Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Pro Evolution Soccer 2008, More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima, Halo 3, The Simpsons Game, Wii Play, Assassin's Creed, and WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2008.