2009 was not a very good year for the gaming industry. Massive layoffs and a drop in hardware and software sales all resulting in an overall weak performance. The economic downturn obviously contributed to the situation but with things getting back to normal, and with Sony and Microsoft gearing up to release motion control devices this year, NPD believes 2010 could be the best year ever for the gaming industry.
“Q1 is shaping up to be the biggest quarter in video game history as several marquee titles from [last year] into the next, joining the already strong line-up of new releases,” games analyst Anita Frazier said. The Analyst also believes that “motion-sensing controllers will be a focal point as Microsoft’s Natal will likely make its way to the market during the year.”
Sony will also be releasing its motion-sensing controller dubbed “Wand” this coming spring. As for PC gaming, Frazier believes that segment will also be revitalized.
“In PC games, sales generated via digital distribution will overtake those generated at retail, and there will be some big PC game releases, most notably from Activision Blizzard,” she said.
“Perhaps the biggest issue facing the industry in 2010 is the proliferation of mobile and social gaming, much of which is free to the consumer. While they can’t replace or replicate the gaming experience that a full frontline game offers, they can and do satisfy the gaming craving for many occasional gamers. Their existence is putting pressure on the casual game side of the industry, and the impact may spread to the more traditional segment of the industry through downward price pressure content.”
I agree. A ton of huge games are coming out this year. plus natal and sony’s wand thin.