An ICv2 Release. In an in-depth feature article in the new 'ICv2 Retailers Guide to Games,' ICv2 takes on the question of the future of hobby gaming in the face of relentless competition for time from massively multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs) with the core gamer audience.
The article correlates the growth in online game subscriptions with the decline in game sales in most categories in the last few years, asks why there might be a connection, considers whether the changes are permanent, explores the backlash against computer gaming, and outlines four ways that the industry is battling back.
Since that article went to press, two new studies have emphasized the growing impact of MMORPGs. A new report from DFC Intelligence, reported by Playthings Extra, predicts that the worldwide online game market will increase from $3.4 billion last year to over $13 billion in 2011, with
And a survey conducted by market researcher Synovate for Uproar.com and reported this month asked adults what type of gaming was 'most rewarding to you.' The top answer was traditional board games, at 39% of respondents. But in second place, 24% of adults now say that online gaming is the most rewarding type of play, beating packaged software games (18%), and TV game shows (15%).
The new issue, ICv2 Retailers Guide to Games #11, shipped to distributors June 1st, and will reach retailers shortly.
