Report: Console Gaming To Remain Solid "For Years To Come"

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Some may be concerned at the state of the console industry, but the four-year forecast actually shows a strengthening of the market.

According to the International Data Corporation, which published their Worldwide Video Game and Entertainment Console Hardware and Packaged Software 2012-2016 Forecast, the console world isn't failing. In fact, they expect the Wii U to hit 50 million units by the end of 2016, and digital sales will keep rising 3% annually.

Plus, you've got Sony and Microsoft that will launch their new systems soon. Said IDC research manager Lewis Ward:

"The console ecosystem is in a state of flux since these platforms need to support an ever-growing array of non-gaming features and services at the same time that game distribution and monetization is moving in a digital direction. At the same time, it doesn't appear that alternative platforms - set-top boxes from cable companies, Web-connected smart TVs, and so on - are positioned to materially disrupt the trajectory of the 'big 3' console OEMs in 2013 or 2014. Discs will remain the console game revenue mainstay for years to come."

Ward did admit that the last couple of years were tough for developers and publishers, but "historical norms" tell us that the bleeding will stop in 2013 and "rise substantively in 2014." Well, here's hoping all this is accurate, 'cuz I'm not ready to give up the traditional game console just yet.

Tags: gaming industry, game consoles, video game consoles

1/10/2013 11:05:40 PM John Shepard

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