Videogames revenues are expected to break $30 billion within the next two years, making it the most lucrative electronic medium. Despite the rapid expansion of the game industry, the videogame is still in its infancy as a technology, with the most rapid development occurring only within the last decade. The future applications for videogames are seemingly limitless as the technology develops to allow for innovative interaction and play across different environments. Much like the movie industry, the game industry will continue to bank on the proven formulaic structure of big money blockbuster franchises. The immensely popular Grand Theft Auto series from Rockstar Games is set to release its third installment on October 29th and is projected to sell 4.5 million units, at a profit of $225 million, worldwide in the first week. With profits that eclipse major Hollywood openings, entertainment companies are beginning to buy promising game design firms in an effort to control the exploding market.
However, the future of the videogame will be more about innovation than conglomeration. Throughout the history of the industry, the big changes have come from small ideas. What began as a nifty display for a few dozen visitors to a laboratory, evolved into a new challenge for hobbyist programmers. Bored with the basic offerings from the few companies at the time, gamers took it upon themselves to develop the next generation of gaming, with games they wanted to play. Regardless of which company dominates with big selling titles, the direction of the industry will always be determined by the gamers’ imaginations.
Jeff DeMaria 10:39, 29 Oct 2004 (EST)
