The Transforming Global Video Games Market

The Emergence Of Next Generation Gaming (Market Focus)

Publication Date	December 2006
Publisher	Datamonitor
Product Type	Report
Pages	16
ISBN Number	not applicable
Product Code	DAT04453

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Summary

Introduction

This brief considers the impact of next-generation consoles on the online games sector, assessing whether online services will reach their mass market potential.

Scope

Provides an analysis of primary drivers for online games use as well as for the adoption of the next-generation of video game consoles.
Highlights
game types and principle players within the evolving video games market.
Addresses current growth trends in the console and handheld markets across major geographic sectors.

Highlights

Key drivers are spurring the adoption of video games both online and offline. Broadband penetration is prompting the consumption of online material and the use of online social media. Demographics are also shifting with the average gamer being around 33 years old.

The PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360, dubbed the next generation of consoles, each hold a unique position with regard to console offerings. While Sony and Microsoft aim towards increased functionality as a key driver for adoption, Nintendo look for innovative game play and the elusive 'fun' factor.

Datamonitor expects the Sony PlayStation 3 to 'win' the console war in the long term with an install base of around 75 million globally by 2010. The console is not expected to dominate as much as its predecessor, the PS2, due to late launch issues in the PAL region and the early lead of Microsoft's Xbox 360.

Reasons to Purchase

Understand key drivers for the uptake of next-generation video game consoles including broadband adoption and shifting gamer demographics.
Gain insight into the lucrative video game console market through the identification of key players and products.
Forecast uptake in the next-generation home and handheld console market till 2010.

Content

Catalyst
Summary
Methodology
- AnaLYSIS
- High-speed connectivity and changing gamer demographics drive online games use
- Broadband adoption is gathering pace
- Consumers' media usage is increasingly shifting online
- Games player demographics are shifting
- Defining the video games industry is becoming increasingly complex
- Users have an increasing array of game types to choose from
- Consumers are faced with an growing number of platforms on which to play games
- Publishers face a risky business, with few rising to the top
- Video game console market is evolving with nex-gen deployment
- Console manufacturers tackle the home market with new products
- Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo jostle for market share
- Addressing the console launch timeline: Xbox 360 gains an early lead while Sony suffers early setbacks
- Outlining the different systems: the functionality and features of the PS3 seem set to impress
- Xbox 360 is close on the heels of the PS3 overall
- Installed base grows with each console lifecycle
- Xbox holds an early lead but PS3 is expected to head the market
- The US is expected to be the largest next-generation console market by 2010
- The handheld market is no longer a one horse race
- Nintendo and Sony offer unique products
- Nintendo continues to dominate the handheld market
- Competition from mobile operators encroaches into the sector
Appendix
- Definitions
Further reading
- Ask the analyst
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Recent developments in the next-generation console market, 2005-2007
- Figure 2: Next-generation console comparison
- Figure 3: Comparison of next-generation console
- Figure 4: Video game console lifecycle, 1995-2011
- Figure 5: Console installed base forecast, 2005-2010
- Figure 6: Installed base by region, 2010
- Figure 7: Handheld console installed base forecast, 2005-2010