Jupiter Research Predicts Console Revenue Increase

Research firm Jupiter Research, a division of Jupiter Media, has released a new survey predicting that revenue from console video gaming will grow from its current level of $8.7 billion a year to $11.3 billion a year by 2010. The prediction is featured in its new report, "U.S. Console Games Forecast 2005: Analysis of Alternate Launch Scenarios," which examines the console market and analyzes possible results of the upcoming console generation involving new systems from Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft. "The game console industry is becoming adept at diversifying its products to meet the multiplicity of tastes," said Jay Horwitz, a senior analyst who contributed to the report. "The mix of mass appeal content, blockbuster hits, niche titles, enhanced functionality and most importantly value opportunities is keeping the market vibrant." Beyond predicting a continuing rise in the value of the game industry, the report also offers its own predictions as to when each of the next-generation console systems will launch. The report analyzes three likely timetables for the launches, and what each one could mean to the industry as a whole. One consensus from each of the timetables is that Microsoft's lead on Nintendo's and Sony's systems probably won't give the company as much of an advantage as it's hoping for, though it will be of some benefit. The complete report is available from Jupiter Research at its official web site, and Horwitz will be available for comment during E3 2005.