For video games, 2008 was an extraordinary year as they finally acquired a degree of mainstream acceptance, thanks to the success of Nintendo’s Wii. In May last year software sales were up 48 per cent on a year before – such growth was clearly unsustainable. None of the three rival consoles – Nintendo Wii, PS3, Xbox 360 – is in the first flush of youth and revamps for one or two will arrive by year-end.

Christmas remains crucial for the video games industry, when the five hottest titles will be:

— Batman (PC, Xbox 360, PS3; August) The Dark Knight and the Joker go head to head in this UK-developed title, which takes its lead from the graphic novel by Grant Morrison and Dave McKean.

— Beatles: Rock Band (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360; September) The Fab Four get their own dedicated version of the popular musical play-along game, timed to coincide with the digital rerelease of the entire Beatles back catalogue.

— The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS; Christmas) Only Nintendo stablemate Mario outguns this role-playing series for popularity. More than 50 million Zelda games have been sold worldwide.

— Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3; Christmas) This sequel previewed to gasps of admiration at the recent E3 video games expo in Los Angeles.

— EyePet (PS3; Christmas) One for younger players. The UK-developed EyePet uses augmented reality technology and a video camera to generate a virtual pet that lives in the real space of your home.

Times Recommends

• Minister in talks with Saudis to protect creditors
• Premier Inn hits back in £29-a-room row
• Bankers hit back at 'populist' bonus supertax