The Australian video game industry reached a new record of $4.12 billion in consumer spending in 2022, according to new data from the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA).

The data, based on research by Sparkers and Newzoo, showed that Australians spent more on digital purchases, video game subscriptions and retail hardware and software than in 2021.

The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling video game hardware platform in Australia in 2022, followed by the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was one of the most popular games of the year, selling over 10 million units worldwide in just 10 days.

Aidan Sakiris, Asia Pacific Regional Manager at Sparkers, said that the Australian video game market thrived in 2022, driven by a diverse range of new software releases and improved hardware availability.

Tom Wijman, Lead Analyst Games Newzoo, said that Australian players spent more than the global average on video games, especially on multi-game subscriptions, which grew by 55 per cent from 2021.

The IGEA is a research, data and advocacy association representing the voice of Australian and New Zealand companies in the computer and video games industry. It releases annual reports on the state of the industry and its economic and social impacts.