Sales for the game industry have slipped considerably in 2009, down 19% in the US since 2008.  The loss comes partially as a result of the overwhelming financial successs the industry saw in 2008, combined with the squeeze the worsening economic climate is putting on consumers' wallets.

EA seems to think the console prices have something to do with it as well.  In September, all 3 platform holders reduced the price of their respective hardware - the PS3 was axed to $299,  Wii dropped to $199, the XBox 360 Elite to $299.  However, this is too little, too late according to EA CEO John Riccitiello. "The price reductions that were brought this year by Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, while welcome, were exactly what they needed to do 10 months ago, not 3 months ago," alleges Riccitiello.

While the 2009 year comes to a close in the red, 2010 is shapping up to be a massive year for the industry.  The first quarter of the year, typically a slow point for the industry, has an absolutely unparalleled software line up scheduled so far.