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This report, authored by Games Investor Consulting, comprises
analysis of the changing factors affecting the key players throughout the traditional and network games value chain in Europe and North America. The report is published in association with games trade body ELSPA.
Key Findings from the Report
- The 2004 uplift in European software sales was more subdued than expected, partly due to hardware shortages and the delay of key
software releases.
- Average game development costs have risen by 300% since 1999 and are expected to leap again during the next cycle
- Consolidation in the UK development market slowed during 2004 but is expected to accelerate again with the advent of next-generation
consoles.
- However, the total number of employees in the UK games industry as a whole rose by 7% between 2000 and 2004
- Network gaming continues to mature at a rapid pace. Including online console, iDTV and mobile gaming, total network games revenue
represented 9.9% of total games software sales in 2004 and is forecast to reach 20% by 2008.
- North American and European games companies remain attractive investment opportunities. Publicly quoted games companies have raised
over $2.4bn since 2000. Privately held games companies have raised over $0.75bn during the same period, 70% of which has gone to network games companies.
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