"The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," the latest entry in the much-loved video game series, has had a surprising impact on Japan's economy. According to early data from the Japanese Cabinet Office, consumer spending on things like video games rose by 0.3% during the second half of 2023, with much of the credit going to the success of "Tears of the Kingdom." In just over a month and a half, the game sold 18.5 million copies.

Although overall consumer spending in Japan fell by 0.5% (1.589 trillion JPY or 1.08 Billion USD) earlier in the year, increased spending on video games has helped balance out that decline. The Japanese Cabinet Office even recognized the significant role "Tears of the Kingdom" played in driving this recovery.

The Legend of Zelda series has been a fan favorite for decades, both in Japan and worldwide. The success of "Tears of the Kingdom" proves the series is as popular as ever, with its strong launch not only bringing joy to players but also contributing to Japan’s economic growth.

What are your thoughts on video games playing a part in the economy? Feel free to share!