UK consumers spent a record £7.16 billion ($9.39 billion) on video games in 2021.

That's according to the country's trade body, Ukie, whose UK Consumer Games Market Valuation shows that last year saw a 1.9 per cent increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, 2021 saw a 32.8 per cent increase on 2019.

Hardware sales were up 17.4 per cent year-on-year, hitting £2.66 billion ($3.49 billion). Of this segment, consoles saw a 32.9 per cent rise, while the amount of money spent on virtual reality tech hit £183 million ($240 million), a 41.9 per cent increase.

With regards to software, digital sales on PC saw a seven per cent drop year-on-year, while console dipped 5.59 per cent. Ukie reckons this is the result of fewer major releases in 2021 versus 2020.

"The UK consumer games market has consolidated effectively following significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic," Dr Jo Twist OBE said.

"The UK is a nation that loves its video games and we should be proud of the positive contribution this sector makes to the economy, to our culture and to wider society."