Riots, other gaming platforms lead to decline in UK video game sales

According to a recent study conducted by the Association of U.K. Interactive Entertainment, the value of the U.K. boxed retail video game market in week 32 was £9.64 million, reaching its lowest value since September 2001, Retail Gazette reports.

The recent London riots and emerging gaming technologies have led to the decline in boxed retail sales. Some of the emerging gaming platforms include products that can be purchased for mobile devices and through online payment gateways.

"The technology and market landscape is being shaken up by the introduction of new gaming platforms and the emergence of novel business models in areas such as online and mobile," marketing executive of UKIE David Smith told Retail Gazette.

Smith also told the news provider that while boxed retail sales are important, they do not accurately represent the entire video game spectrum.

This year, video game ecommerce sales in the U.K. are expected to reach £3.6 billion and increase 2 percent in 2012, according to a study conducted by research firm NewZoo.