While consumers may be struggling with the harsh realities of the current financial crisis, it seems one area has actually benefited from the wallet-tightening being seen across the world.
The computer games industry, viewed by many as a frivolous pastime only undertaken by teenagers, is booming.
In the UK alone, £1.9 billion was spent on games last year, a figure analysts say will be repeated this year.
Market research firm Nielsen even says that, as the recession continues to bite, people are actually buying and playing more games.
