Social Sites and Gaming Fads
Gaming on social networks is fast-growing in popularity!
The video games market exploded with the onset of social games, which are defined as challenging games via social networks like Facebook. In 2012, social games accounted for 36 percent of the online market, and nearly 15 percent of the video gaming market. In 2016, users are expected to make up close to half of the online market and 18 percent of the overall market. Revenues in 2012 amounted to 5.4 million Euro. In 2016, they are expected to increase to 10.7 billion. Facebook leads the social gaming market with more than 235 million gamers.
A Global Marketplace for Social Gamers
Video Games fans in the Asia Pacific region are by far the most active gamers, followed by the Europe, Middle East and Africa. Latin American users are predicted to rise by 2016, as are North American gamers. More games are now available through a free-play system and video chat allows players from all over the world to connect with one other. This vast network sees gamers asking other gamers for help and tips. Despite the reach of the social gaming market, major developers are hesitant to rely solely on the social networks when it comes to quality.
Currently, there are approximately 12 traditional video gaming companies with a stake in the social gaming market. Top gaming producers, Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony do not participate in social games. Popular online social games are overseen by producers like Electronic Arts, Sega, Take Two Interactive and Warner Bros. Interactive. Together, they’re making billions off games such as, Bejeweled Blitz, CSI: Miami, Avengers Alliance and Wild Ones.
