Asia/Pacific Wireless Online Gaming 2005-2009 Forecast and Analysis

This study provides a situational forecast and analysis of the wireless online gaming market in the APEJ region. Mobile gaming has made inroads in the region in recent years. The availability and affordability of feature-rich handsets, along with the accompanying growth of substantial mobile gaming content, have been a few of the noted industry accelerators. Furthermore, mobile gaming providers and developers alike are beginning to see the financial viability of the industry.

Jun-Fwu Chin, senior analyst, Software, IDC Malaysia, states, "As mobile penetration in the APEJ region continues to rise, and as users continue to consume more feature-rich media, mobile online gaming will likewise grow." However, this fledgling industry is not without barriers. Imbalanced revenue sharing models between carriers and game developers, and the prevailing mindshare of Asia/Pacific users that mobile handsets are simply communication devices and not entertainment gadgets are among the fundamental issues that need to be addressed for widespread industry growth.