[Scarlett.]

Following a staggering 25% growth this year in UK games sales, last week saw retailers take an incredible £87.9 million in just seven days to make it the most successful since the industry began.

According to ChartTrack, around 78 million games have been sold in the UK during 2007, smashing the previous record, which was set last year.

Director General of ELSPA Paul Jackson said: “2007 has been a fantastic year for our industry as all the latest generation of consoles and hand-held devices have become fully established.

"Gaming is now enjoyed by everyone, young and old, male and female. Interactive entertainment is now truly mass market, and this is just the beginning of a period of real sustained growth.”

Digital Spy