In the face of a brawny economy, the gaming industry held its own during the 2008 holiday shopping season. Nintendo’s Wii was the overall winner, but Microsoft additionally had some strong numbers.

In fact, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 video-game console recorded its biggest year. Microsoft sold more consoles, games and online entertainment experiences than in any previous year despite an economic downturn.

In a major milestone for the platform, Microsoft reported total sales of Xbox 360 systems have reached 28 million worldwide. That widens the product’s lead by Sony’s PlayStation 3 to more than eight million units.

A Pivotal Year

Don Mattrick, senior vice president of Microsoft’s interactive entertainment business, said 2008 will be remembered as a pivotal growth year for the Xbox.

“Worldwide, a record number of players flocked to our broadest games and entertainment lineup ever, while the New Xbox Experience thrilled millions of fans by making our console even more engaging,” Mattrick

said. “And yet, we’ve only provided a glimpse into the new world of interactive entertainment that we’re imagining. The best of Xbox 360 is yet to come.”

The Xbox Live community grew to more than 17 million active members as online consumer spending increased 84 percent from last year. Since the launch of the Xbox 360 three years ago, more than $1 billion has been spent on Xbox Live. Microsoft attributes much of that growth to the launch of the New Xbox Experience, a broad selection of games, TV shows, and movies, and to market price points starting at $199.

“Certainly the price cuts and again the overall popularity of video-game consoles in general during relatively low economic times is a good thing and something that’s worked in Microsoft’s favor,” said Michael Gartenberg, vice president of mobile strategy for Jupitermedia. “Sony has been challenged with high price points and delivering games that…

Orginal post by Mike

Gismos Mechanical Gadgets Gadget Electronic News Games Reviews Computers