Western online games revenues to double by 2007

*Akasha* · August 30, 2004, 09:10 PM

Comprehensive report covers everything from browser games to MMOGs.

A new report from leading market research firm Screen Digest has indicated that the online PC games market in the West will more than double in size by 2007, with revenues growing to over $2 billion.

Revenues from PC online games are expected to exceed $1 billion in North America and Europe during 2004, and growth in a number of key areas will drive the doubling of those revenues in the following three years - including the MMOG market, pay-per-play browser gaming, gaming on demand and casual game service advertising.

Screen Digest anticipates that while pay-per-play browser gaming is the most exciting new sub-sector of online gaming, growing from $35 million in 2000 to $137 million last year, and projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 40 per cent to 2007, growth will also be seen in all other sectors of the marketplace.

Massively multiplayer online games will continue to be the largest single element of the PC online games market, with Europe becoming the largest growth opportunity in the next two years as the US market reaches a saturation point. However, the authors of the report do warn that despite the growth potential of this area, there are also concerns regarding over-supply and a reappraisal of models and pricing strategies may be required.

Titled "Online Gaming Markets to 2007: The New Growth Opportunities," the 84 page report covers all aspects of the market in great depth - with topics ranging from the two key sectors discussed through to monetising on casual games services via subscriptions or advertising, the growth of games on demand, and vital demographic statistics on the uptake of online games in different markets.

A full copy of the report can be acquired by ordering it through GamesIndustry.biz' new research purchasing system.

Source : Game Industry

Trem · August 31, 2004, 06:02 PM

Heh, although the growth is good what we really need to go is get away from publishers.

Publishers are leeches. They do no work and get all the credit. They run the show because they have the money.

"Man, that tony hawk game is awesome, I'm so glad activision did it!"

What a crock of horseshit. Activision did nothing but pawn up cash for advertising and to pay salaries. Then they want to put their logo all over the game to dwarf the actual studio that made it.

What would really be nice is to have a public finance model. I know this is easier said than done, but publishers have got to go.

/me hates publishers with the burning hot passion of hells flames

*Akasha* · August 31, 2004, 06:09 PM

I have to agree... too many publishers have ruined games because of their money. When all the talk started about Vivendi ( which I am starting to believe is run by Satan's minions if they ruin WoW ) I wished I had the money to buy them out... then I would let Blizzard do it their way...

Damn to publishers! :finga:

Trem · August 31, 2004, 06:13 PM

I know first hand since we are getting screwed over by the publisher for one of our games.

They've done zero advertising. I mean, give me a break. The game is going to be on store shelves september 9th, and I haven't seen one freaking magazine advertisement on it.

Atari is publishing our other game, and they started the media campaign like months ago. We even had a cover story on Computer Gaming Magazine. I mean, atari is pretty crappy as well, but at least they're actually getting the word out.

I don't care if your game is awesome and it wins all kinds of awards (our first 2 games won Strategy Game of the Year). If you don't get word out it won't sell.

:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

boscolio · August 31, 2004, 06:16 PM

*erupts into flames as Hellfire ripples along the ground*

oh, i miss read. i thought you were asking for hellfire. ;)

but i agree. so many companies get absorbed by the corporate machine that no one is really sure who makes what. luckily some companies have been able to keep their name attached to the products. ie, Blizzard. i congradulate those who have made a name for themselves, and not just their publishers.

August 31, 2004, 06:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
Trem Member	Western online games revenues to double by 2007 Heh, although the growth is good what we really need to go is get away from publishers. Publishers are leeches. They do no work and get all the credit. They run the show because they have the money. "Man, that tony hawk game is awesome, I'm so glad activision did it!" What a crock of horseshit. Activision did nothing but pawn up cash for advertising and to pay salaries. Then they want to put their logo all over the game to dwarf the actual studio that made it. What would really be nice is to have a public finance model. I know this is easier said than done, but publishers have got to go. /me hates publishers with the burning hot passion of hells flames

August 31, 2004, 06:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
Trem Member	Western online games revenues to double by 2007 I know first hand since we are getting screwed over by the publisher for one of our games. They've done zero advertising. I mean, give me a break. The game is going to be on store shelves september 9th, and I haven't seen one freaking magazine advertisement on it. Atari is publishing our other game, and they started the media campaign like months ago. We even had a cover story on Computer Gaming Magazine. I mean, atari is pretty crappy as well, but at least they're actually getting the word out. I don't care if your game is awesome and it wins all kinds of awards (our first 2 games won Strategy Game of the Year). If you don't get word out it won't sell. :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

August 31, 2004, 06:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
boscolio Member Character Info boscolio 60 Gnome Warlock Azgalor US PvP Guild: Dark Echo Talent Spec: 43/7/11	Western online games revenues to double by 2007 erupts into flames as Hellfire ripples along the ground oh, i miss read. i thought you were asking for hellfire. ;) but i agree. so many companies get absorbed by the corporate machine that no one is really sure who makes what. luckily some companies have been able to keep their name attached to the products. ie, Blizzard. i congradulate those who have made a name for themselves, and not just their publishers.

August 30, 2004, 09:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
Akasha	Western online games revenues to double by 2007 Comprehensive report covers everything from browser games to MMOGs. A new report from leading market research firm Screen Digest has indicated that the online PC games market in the West will more than double in size by 2007, with revenues growing to over $2 billion. Revenues from PC online games are expected to exceed $1 billion in North America and Europe during 2004, and growth in a number of key areas will drive the doubling of those revenues in the following three years - including the MMOG market, pay-per-play browser gaming, gaming on demand and casual game service advertising. Screen Digest anticipates that while pay-per-play browser gaming is the most exciting new sub-sector of online gaming, growing from $35 million in 2000 to $137 million last year, and projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 40 per cent to 2007, growth will also be seen in all other sectors of the marketplace. Massively multiplayer online games will continue to be the largest single element of the PC online games market, with Europe becoming the largest growth opportunity in the next two years as the US market reaches a saturation point. However, the authors of the report do warn that despite the growth potential of this area, there are also concerns regarding over-supply and a reappraisal of models and pricing strategies may be required. Titled "Online Gaming Markets to 2007: The New Growth Opportunities," the 84 page report covers all aspects of the market in great depth - with topics ranging from the two key sectors discussed through to monetising on casual games services via subscriptions or advertising, the growth of games on demand, and vital demographic statistics on the uptake of online games in different markets. A full copy of the report can be acquired by ordering it through GamesIndustry.biz' new research purchasing system. Source : Game Industry

August 31, 2004, 06:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
Akasha	Western online games revenues to double by 2007 I have to agree... too many publishers have ruined games because of their money. When all the talk started about Vivendi ( which I am starting to believe is run by Satan's minions if they ruin WoW ) I wished I had the money to buy them out... then I would let Blizzard do it their way... Damn to publishers! :finga: