US video game sales slide 23 pct in May

LOS ANGELES — Market researcher NPD Group says U.S. video gamers spent less on games, hardware and accessories in May compared with a year ago.

The announcement late Thursday was a sign that this year’s release schedule couldn’t compete with the launch of Take-Two Interactive’s “Grand Theft Auto IV.”

Spending fell 23 percent from last May to $863 million. It was the first monthly tally below $1 billion since August 2007 and the third month in a row of year-over-year declines.

The best-selling title this May was THQ Inc.’s “UFC 2009 Undisputed,” which sold 680,000 units.