Global Toys and Games Industry

Global Toys & Games Industry The global toys and games industry is expected to hit the $100 billion mark by 2015, according to research from Global Industry Analysts. In recent years the market has been influenced by changing consumer tastes, with children opting for more sophisticated video games and electronic toys. Children are also becoming increasingly accustomed to changing toys more frequently. This means toy and game manufacturers are obliged to introduce new products on a regular basis, and focus on innovation and technological advancements. Market growth is being fuelled by video, console and computer games, with the industry also benefiting from a growing adult consumer base as this group takes a greater interest in games as a popular leisure pursuit. Industry players are focusing their marketing efforts on older children and adults, with small children no longer considered the industry’s main target demographic.

Key Segments * The global videogame market has been witnessing significant change in recent years. Manufacturers are expanding their consumer base by offering new devices and new game categories. Parks Associates highlights the importance of new business models such as free-to-play as more successful in monetizing specific audiences. * The worldwide online games market continues to record strong growth, with more than 210 million internet users using online game sites, according to Global Industry Analysts. The number of internet users visiting online game sites is expected to record yearly growth in excess of 15% over the coming years. Online console gamers are attracted to the ease of playing, which is better with a console than with a PC. * Web games are forecast to hit the $1 billion mark in China in 2013, reports Pearl Research. The leading online game from Tencent has over 800,000 peak concurrent users. Market growth will be fuelled in part by micro-client version of games, which currently