Despite recession, video-game industry shows massive growth; Entertainment value, wide audience appeal, escapism may be why.(News)

Advertising Age, May, 2008 by Bulik, Beth Snyder

Byline: BETH SNYDER BULIK

Even with products priced at $50 and up, video-game marketers are finding the recession more friend than foe.

The $18 billion industry is on a tear, with sales up 31% over 2007 through April, according to NPD Group. And that's barely counting the April 29 release of "Grand Theft Auto IV,'' which shattered records with a $500 million opening week. That's five times what "Iron Man'' made in its opening weekend.

Game publisher Activision recently reported sales increases of 93% year over year, boosted by stellar sales of "Guitar Hero III'' and "Call of Duty 4.'' And just last week, Electronic Arts reported revenue gains of 84% on strong sales of titles such as "Rock Band.''

Some chalk it up to escapism; others...

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