In order to recoup the high costs associated with console manufacturing, Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have turned to online gaming either to generate additional revenue streams or to promote brand loyalty. Subscriber growth is expected in both paid and free online services over the forecast period.
In-Stat's latest gaming report contains forecasts for online game subscribers annually through 2011 for online-capable game console and handheld consoles. Forecasts for each console include an annual console installed base, the number of subscribers (free or paid), subscription revenue, paid download revenue, and online advertising revenue. This report does not forecast PC online gaming or casual gaming. Analyses are provided for the online console strategies of Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony, as well as the online handheld strategies of Nintendo and Sony. New to this year's report are survey results regarding US consumers' attitudes towards both video game console ownership and online gaming.