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| Refined Business Models and Targeted Content Help Drive Online PC Gaming Adoption, IDC Says |
FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. online PC gaming market
has been sparked by a number of factors, including a widening demographic of
gamers and the continuing penetration of broadband. But a broader scope of
content and more highly-refined business models, such as delivering
downloadable games for a fee, will legitimize this once fledgling market.
According to a new study from IDC, revenues derived from the purchase of
downloadable games will increase from $52.7 million in 2003 to more than $760
million in 2007.
"After years of experimentation and evolution, the online PC gaming
industry is closer than ever to reaching substantial and ongoing profits,"
said Schelley Olhava, program manager, Interactive Consumer Services and
Consumer Devices at IDC. "From serious gamers playing RPGs (role playing
games) such as Everquest and Ultima Online to casual gamers playing pool or
poker and everything in between, gaming has become a viable and mainstream
online entertainment activity."
The rise in popularity of online PC gaming is driving significant change
in the industry and at this point, practically any genre of game can be found
to fit the various interests, desires, and skill sets of the connected gaming
population.
Key Findings
* The downloadable gaming model can be very profitable, quickly creating a
lucrative income stream.
* Downloadable game markets may reach saturation, hitting the limit of
gamers that will pay to download.
* Subscription-based gaming services must provide superior content and
service to limit customer churn.
* Advertising and sponsorship remain the bread and butter of casual game
sites.
This study, U.S. Online PC Gaming Forecast and Analysis, 2003-2007: Not
Just Playing Around Anymore (IDC #30098), examines the online PC gaming market
in several components. It looks at the state of today's market, including a
contrast between serious games and casual games and a discussion of business
models. It also provides an analysis of the challenges facing both the serious
and casual game segments. It then provides a forecast that includes gamer
populations, downloadable games, and industry revenue (based on subscriptions,
paid downloads, and advertisement/sponsorship revenue). The study concludes
with a brief discussion on the future role of broadband in online PC games.
To purchase this document, call IDC's sales hotline at 508-988-7988 or
email sales@idc.com.
About IDC
IDC is the premier global market intelligence and advisory firm in the
information technology and telecommunications industries. We analyze and
predict technology trends so that our clients can make strategic, fact-based
decisions on IT purchases and business strategy. Over 700 IDC analysts in 50
countries provide local expertise and insights on technology markets.
Business executives and IT managers have relied for 40 years on our advice to
make decisions that contribute to the success of their organizations.
IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media,
research, and events company. Additional information can be found at
http://www.idc.com
All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective holders.
SOURCE IDC
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Company News On-Call:
CONTACT:
Schelley Olhava, +1-650-962-6427,
solhava@idc.com, or Patrick Gorman, +1-508-935-4369,
pgorman@idc.com, both of IDC
