Yes, according to a new report from industry analyst, Informa, the global games industry is set to hit a peak value of $58.4 billion in 2007. And while next-gen consoles like Xbox 360 (I still haven't got one) and PS3 (ditto), will contribute considerably to this figure, Informa reckons they won't be the only big money generators:
"Although the console sector will continue to dominate the games industry worldwide, the growth of broadband, mobile & interactive TV gaming is starting to remove some of the cyclical nature of the business. These three sectors are forecast to contribute significant revenues by the end of the decade."
And elsewhere:
"The highest growth will come from broadband, mobile and interactive TV, which are together forecast to generate revenues of $20.6 billion by 2010 - up from $3.8 billion in 2004."
But things won't look quite so rosy for the PC sector...
"PC gaming will continue to decline - with revenues falling to half the 2001 total by 2010 - due to factors such as new generation consoles boasting the same functionality traditionally associated with the PC"
Oh dear.
The point about casual gaming technologies such as mobile and interactive TV breaking down the cyclical nature of the business is an interesting one. After thirty years of barely controlled chaos, is the industry finally ready to grow out of its boom and bust childhood?
You can find more info on the 'Dynamics of Games' report here.
