CEA predicts healthy upturn for the US games market

The Consumer Electronics Association has published a report forecasting a bright future for the North American games market, with continued growth expected throughout 2007.

According to the report, hardware and software shipments are set to reach US$12.5 billion (9.8 billion Euro) by the end of this year, boosted as the Xbox 360 secures its foothold in the market and Sony and Nintendo launch their next-gen consoles. Factory-to-dealer sales are set to increase by 8 per cent from last year to reach US$140 billion (109 million Euro).

The CEA predicts growth of 16 per cent for the games market during 2007. Sean Wargo, director of industry analysis, stated: "The fourth quarter of this year is when things really heat up in the gaming market, with continued growth expected through 2007, reaching $15 billion."

The report went on to forecast that sales of standalone HD-DVD players will exceed more than one million units next year, as will says of Blu-ray disc players. Sales of TVs and other display units are set to reach US$22 billion, and portable music player sales are predicted to stand at US$5 billion.