Yesterday we learned that the video game industry made some $20 billion in 2008, which is far and away a new record. In fact, according to the Entertainment Software Association the industry made $5.3 billion in December 2008 alone. For comparison, video games made $5.1 billion in 1997. All of 1997.

So, with this news being only a day old you would think that CEOs of game publishers would be ecstatic, right? WRONG! Take-Two Interactive CEO Ben Feder saw it as an opportunity to kick his feet like a petulant child because companies are making money off used game sales.

Here is what Feder had to say, according to analyst Doug Creutz. From GamesIndustry.biz:

“GameStop continues to aggressively push their used game business, which is having a meaningful negative impact on sales of new games,” noted analyst Doug Creutz, following a meeting with Take-Two CEO Ben Feder this week.

“Management is frustrated with this trend and is examining ways to ameliorate the problem, which includes strategies around online play and downloadable content which extend the lifespan of AAA titles.”

…you know, sometimes it isn’t about what you say so much as it is how you say it and when you say it. Bitching about a few pinched pennies the day after it’s reported that your industry made some $21 billion dollars is probably a bad idea. You come off as a spoiled little brat and nobody will take you seriously.

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