Nintendo Rules UK, Hardcore Games Die?

According to Chart Track figures published by ELSPA today, the Nintendo trio are followed by Professor Layton and the Curious Village in the fourth spot, and Killzone 2 at five.

Although the top three titles enjoyed combined sales of 1.65 million units, overall video game figures are down 5.7 per cent on last year, with 29.7 million units shifting in total compared to 31.5 million during the same period in 2008.

ELSPA agrees that the most popular games in the UK are now of the casual variety, with seventh spot, Dr Kawashima's Brain Training, also becoming the UK’s best-selling game ever, with three million units sold to date.

Director general of ELSPA, Michael Rawlinson said: "These figures are clear evidence that gaming is now mainstream in the UK. The demographic has changed, so it’s time we did away with the misperception that videogames are merely the preserve of teenage boys shooting zombies. Innovation in the industry means the social and educational benefits of gaming are now enjoyed by players of both sexes and of all ages."

Hopefully we'll still see plenty of zombie-shooting games for teenagers (we’re looking at you Left 4 Dead 2), but we can’t help feeling that Rawlinson’s comments could well signal the death of titles for core gamers. Is the rise of the procession game warranted? Do you enjoy playing gimmicky, dumbed down ‘games’? Are we over-reacting? Let us know.