May marked the third-straight month that video game software sales dropped, a sign that the economic downturn continues to weigh on the gaming sector. NPD Group released its video game sales data yesterday afternoon, reflecting sales that fell to $448.9 million during May. These monthly results are 17% lower than the same period last year. The drop in software sales was somewhat expected, as the Street called for a drop between 15% and 20%. Hardware sales dropped 30% during May, totaling $302.5 million. But the comparisons are difficult as major hits were released during spring 2008, including Grand Theft Auto IV, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. There were no such major hits released this year.
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