Worldwide Connected Video Game and Entertainment Console 2012–2016 Forecast

This IDC study forecasts growth in the connected video game and entertainment console market through 2016. It distinguishes North American totals from those in the rest of the world, and segments connected console hardware, gamers, and revenue on several dimensions. This forecast profiles emerging, gaming-capable set-top box (STB) providers in addition to the big 3 OEMs. The goal is to illuminate which console and gaming-capable STB platforms are best positioned for revenue and gamer community growth through 2016.

"With the impending release of Wi U and next-gen platforms from Sony and Microsoft in the works, it's clear that the next several years will be a wild digital ride," says Lewis Ward, research manager of IDC's video game industry service. "This study emphasizes gaming to be sure, but how other forms of multimedia content and community interaction play into associated dynamics will profoundly affect which companies will be ahead of the pack three years from now and which ones will be looking for the exit."