In a previous article, Microsoft made known that it is targeting Europe as its focus next year. They couldn't have done this at a better time considering that video game sales are at an all time high in the United Kingdom (UK).

Chart-Track compiled some data for ELPSA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) which established that 78 million video games will be sold in the UK this 2007. With all those purchases comes a huge amount of revenue. Last week's sales are said to have generated £ 87.9 million (around US$ 175 million). It's not really surprising that the video game industry has earned 36% more than last year.

The rise in video game sales is said to have been triggered by the good showing from Nintendo's DS Lite and Wii, Microsoft's Xbox 360, and Sony's PlayStation 3. Revenues from the consoles reveal a 45% increase. As of this article's writing the console market now accounts for 79% of software revenues and 75% of total software units.

The numbers that were revealed will undoubtedly bring smiles to the faces of video game developers and console manufacturers everywhere. Even the Director General of ELPSA Paul Jackson was happy about the findings. So before we go, here's what he had to say about the sales figures:

2007 has been a fantastic year for our industry as all the latest generation of consoles and hand-held devices have become fully established. Videogaming 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.