Sales for the 21 weeks to June 27 were down by 9.1 per cent at retailer Game, but in line with company expectations.

Like for like (lfl) sales for the same period were down by 15.4 per cent.

In the UK and Ireland, total sales were down by 12.4 per cent and lfl sales were down by 15.8 per cent. In the company’s international business, total sales were down by 1.1 per cent and lfl sales down by 14.4 per cent.

“These lfl results are in line with expectations given the very strong sales in the comparative period (+25.0 per cent lfl) in 2008, which included unprecedented software releases such as Mario Kart, Wii Fit and Grand Theft Auto IV,” said Game chairman Peter Lewis.

“The profit performance last half year was exceptional and this half year should be viewed in the context of our seasonal business, when customarily all group profits are made in the second half.

“The second half software line up is very encouraging with strong titles such as Wii Fit Plus, DJ Hero, Mario And Sonic at the Winter Olympics, Professor Layton And Pandora’s Box, Assassins Creed 2, Forza Motorsport 3, Singstar: Take That and Halo ODST, along with the annual sequels to bestsellers including Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2, FIFA 2010, Pro Evolution Soccer 2010, Need For Speed and Splinter Cell.”