San Diego, CA (November 9, 2005)

According to the latest forecasts from DFC Intelligence, the worldwide interactive entertainment market is expected to grow from about $28.5 billion in 2005 to around $42 billion in 2010.  The interactive entertainment market consists of console video games, PC games, online games and dedicated portable systems.  “The upcoming launch of the Microsoft Xbox 360 heralds a new generation of console systems that together should push the worldwide game industry towards the size of the global recorded music industry by 2008,” said David Cole president of DFC Intelligence.

However, DFC Intelligence also stresses that the growth for the interactive entertainment industry is about much more than video game console systems.  “There is a growing portable business and, contrary to some reports, the top PC games are making more than ever with the growth of online games and digital distribution,” says Cole.

According to Cole, the key for success in the game business is recognizing the growing diversity among markets, platforms and business models.  Furthermore, as console systems increasingly connect online, the game industry will become more like a network service business and less like a packaged goods industry. “The skill set of today’s major players does not necessarily translate into success going forward and that could open up some opportunities for new market entrants,” says Cole.

DFC Intelligence is a market research firm focused on video games, PC games, online games and interactive entertainment.  They offer free monthly research briefs to anyone signing up at http://www.dfcint.com/mailing_signup.html.  DFC Intelligence reports include Worldwide Market Forecasts for the Video Game & Interactive Entertainment Industry, The Business of Computer and Video Games, The Online Game Market, The Game Market in China, Overview of the Video Game and Interactive Entertainment Industry and Market Leaders in the Video Game and Interactive Entertainment Industry.

Contact:
David Cole
858-780-9680