Australians spend record $2.05 billion on video games in 2009

AUSTRALIANS spent a record-breaking $2.05 billion on video games last year, snapping up more than 2 million games consoles in 2009 and investing in many more gaming extras, from plastic guitars to microphones.

But the record spending in 2009, released yesterday by research firm GfK Australia, could underestimate Australia's love affair with video games.

Interactive Games and Entertainment Association chief executive Ron Curry said many game sales fell outside the retail research and, if counted, the industry would smash existing records.

"If you look at the wider gaming industry and include iPhone game downloads and other mobile phone content, subscription to Xbox Live and other services, it's a much bigger industry than $2 billion," Mr Curry said.

"iPhone games, for example, might cost a little but collectively they make a huge amount."