The number of US mobile gamers is predicted to grow tenfold in the next five years according to a new in-depth study from IDC.
Are We Having Fun Yet?: U.S. Wireless Gaming Forecast, 2002-2007 takes a long term view of the emerging market and concludes that handset providers, wireless carriers and game developers and publishers need a concerted strategy to ensure mass-market take-up.
According to Schelley Olhava of IDC: “Wireless gaming represents tremendous opportunity, but in order to reach its full potential, there must be cooperation among the three benefactors to work out key issues such as business models, the handset, and designating the appropriate content for the target demographics.”
The mobile industry is desperately seeking a return on its investment in 2.5G and 3G networks and gaming is seen as lucrative revenue stream (see Mobile Gaming Key To 3G Uptake, Says Report). Faster processors, enhanced audiovisual facilities and quality content are on the way and IDC predicts that the total number of wireless gamers will increase from nearly 7 million this year to 71.2 million in 2007.
“Wireless games are a perfect example of the type of content that carriers are looking to offer,” said IDC’s Dana Thorat, senior research analyst, Wireless and Mobile Communication. “Gaming is ready to transition beyond the confines of the home to a truly mobile platform, and the emergence of next-generation networks and improved handsets make wireless gaming a reality.”
