Australian games trade beat $2 billion last year

Game sales hit a record $2.05 billion in Australia last year, up 4 percent compared to 2008.

Software sales were up 6 percent, according to GfK Australia.

“Australia’s interactive entertainment industry continues to maintain sales despite the global economic slowdown,” said Ron Curry, CEO of the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association.

“Despite a challenging economic climate, interactive entertainment has proven to offer families good value entertainment. We expect that in 2010 the industry will continue to maintain its steady sales performance as playing video games becomes as popular as watching television or surfing the net.”

Thanks, Edge. Here's the top 20 in Australia last year, courtesy of Kotaku.

01. Wii Fit (Wii)
02. Wii Sports Resort w/ Motion Plus (Wii)
03. Wii Play (Wii)
04. Mario Kart (Wii)
05. New Super Mario Bros (Wii)
06. Wii Fit Plus Bundle (Wii)
07. Call Of Duty: Modern Warefare 2 (Xbox 360)
08. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3)
09. Cricket (Wii)
10. The Sims 3 (PC)
11. Halo 3 ODST (Xbox 360)
12. Pokemon Platinum (Nintendo DS)
13. EA Sports Active (Wii)
14. More Brain Training From Dr Kawashima (Nintendo DS)
15. World Of Warcraft: Wrath Of The Lich King (PC)
16. Mario Kart (Nintendo DS)
17. Fifa 10 (PS3)
18. Mario & Sonic At The Olympics (Wii)
19. Assassins Creed 2 (Xbox 360)
20. New Super Mario Bros (Nintendo DS)