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Wireless gaming key to 2.5G and 3G in US
November 14, 2002
The U.S. wireless gaming market is emerging as a viable long-term
opportunity for game developers and publishers, carriers, and handset
providers looking for success in 3G. According to a new study from
IDC, Are We Having Fun Yet?: U.S. Wireless Gaming Forecast, 2002-2007,
the number of total U.S. unique wireless gamers will climb from
nearly 7.0 million in 2002 to 71.2 million in 2007.
The development of the U.S. wireless gaming market requires the
successful triangulation of mutually dependent players, including
handset providers, wireless carriers, and game developers and publishers.
"Wireless gaming represents tremendous opportunity, but in order
to reach its full potential, there must be cooperation among the
three benefactors to work out key issues such as business models,
the handset, and designating the appropriate content for the target
demographics," says IDC's Schelley Olhava, program manager, Interactive
Gaming.
Currently, domestic wireless carriers are pursuing 2.5G and 3G
network upgrades to deploy next-generation wireless services that
include wireless data applications. "Wireless games are a perfect
example of the type of content that carriers are looking to offer,"
says IDC's Dana Thorat, senior research analyst, Wireless and Mobile
Communication. "Gaming is ready to transition beyond the confines
of the home to a truly mobile platform, and the emergence of next-generation
networks and improved handsets make wireless gaming a reality."
Key Findings
-- The advent of faster processors, color screens, polyphonic sound,
new battery technology and improved input control features will
boost wireless gaming
-- Quality game content targeted to the appropriate demographics
will be a driving factor for wireless gaming
-- Wireless gaming will promote the adoption of wireless data services
by providing subscribers with a familiar activity
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3G Motorola A920
