Game reaches the next level

THE continuing growth of the videogames market has seen retailer Game record a strong increase in sales.

High-profile releases including Grand Theft Auto helped the retailer post a 54 per cent increase in sales in 22 weeks to June 28.

Like-for-like sales for the group, which also owns Gamestation, increased by 24.8 per cent.

In light of the strong performance, the company's board said it now expects profit before tax and non-recurring costs for the six months to July 31, 2008 to be at least £330m.

Peter Lewis, the group's chairman, said: "We look forward to the second half of the year and, although the quality of the first half release schedule is unprecedented, we remain confident about Christmas trading."