The increasing cost of video games were one factor in an increase in UK inflation year-on-year in June.

In a report from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which said that the Consumer Prices Index, including house prices (CPIH) rose by 0.8 per cent from May thanks to the rising price of both video games and clothing.

'Recreation and culture' was the largest contribution to inflation, with this category seeing a 0.32 per cent rise month-on-month. This category includes games, toys and hobbies, with the ONS saying that video games were a large factor in the increase. 

The cost of games and consoles rose by 1.8 per cent during June 2020, compared to a decrease of 4.7 per cent 12 months prior.

The ONS reckons that this increase in prices is likely tied to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, which has seen people asked to stay at home as much as possible, leaving millions wanting something to do.

"Over the year-to-date, price movements for games, toys and hobbies have been less volatile than during the same period last year," the organisation wrote.

"It is possible that prices have been influenced by the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown changing the timing of demand and the availability of some items, particularly consoles. However, it is equally likely to be a result of the computer games in the bestseller charts. Price movements for computer games can often be relatively large depending on the composition of these charts."