There is more proof that the computer games industry is in trouble after NPD Group posted a sixth consecutive monthly decline.

It had been believed that the industry was recession proof because punters would spend money on games rather than expensive holidays. However the latest figures show that sales in August, which fell 16% from last year.

That means sales of games and game consoles must grow 14% in the last four months of the year for 2009 sales to be flat with 2008, NPD analyst Anita Frazier said. Even sales of Madden NFL 10 which is one of the highest-rated and best-marketed EA titles in years is facing strong head winds, the outfit moaned.