Hobby game sales declined only slightly in 2008 despite the most difficult conditions for retail sales in a generation, according to the recently released ICv2 Insiders Guide #64 (see “ICv2 Releases 'ICv2 Insider’s Guide' #64”).  Collectible games, the largest category, had the most problems, with the cost to participate the biggest factor damping sales.  Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Pokemon held their own in the hobby channel, but other CCGs struggled.  Another factor was the new powerhouse Bakugan, which made it difficult for all but the most popular games to gain traction at mass and sucked some of the oxygen out of the category for others.

On the positive side, board games were up substantially in the hobby channel, perhaps as much as 20%, behind the best value proposition in gaming.  Non-collectible miniature games and RPGs were flat to up a little.  

For the lists of the bestselling CCGs in the hobby channel, in the mass channel, and over-all, click here.

For the bestselling CMGs in the hobby channel, click here.

For the bestselling board, card, and family games in the hobby channel, click here.

For the bestselling non-collectible miniature games in the hobby channel, click here.

For the bestselling RPGs in the hobby market, click here.

For info on how to get your copy of the ICv2 Insiders Guide #64, with the full market reports and size estimates, bestseller lists, and reviews, see “ICv2 Releases 'ICv2 Insider's Guide' #64.”