A new analyst report indicates that the global games industry is currently worth about 60-billion USD annually. To put that into perspective the games industry brings in more money then a small country, in fact the US cinema (Box office) industry is valued at 10.89 Billion USD a year. The games industry on a global basis actually rivals the theatrical releases of the film industry on a global basis.

But that isn't the part of the analyst report that is turning heads. Analysts expect the games industry to be worth 80 billion dollars a year by 2014.A key analyst in the report Colin Sebastian at analyst firm Robert W. Baird & Co says confirms that he expects the industry to be worth 80-billion by 2014.

What are some of the reasons for the continued growth at such a high rate? Colin explains "Unlike newspapers, magazines, TV and radio, video game sales have accelerated since the advent of online and mobile platforms," he said. "And yes, we believe another video game cycle is likely, with Sony already in development on a next-generation PlayStation."These are very good arguments that support the idea that the industry will expand so much over the next two years.

Do you think analysts are being over optimistic and expecting too much, or are they being pessimistic and you think the industry will actually grow even more. The third option you agree with the analyst report that the industry will grow by 20 billion dollars by 2014. This would be amazing for the industry!

Whats your take on this report?

Source

I expect 2014 to be 25% larger than 2011. Consider that 2014 will be the 3DS 4th year, which is almost definitely going to be larger than the first. It will also be the WiiU's third year, which is generally the peak of Nintendo consoles. The PSVita will also be in its late third or fourth year, which is likely to be around its peak.

The next Xbox and Playstation will most likely be in their second or third years as well, so they should be on-size or larger than the X360 + Ps3.

 If you look at Hardware sales this year, they're at 31 million. Same period in 2008, they were at 54 million. The software sales were roughly the same (slight bit higher in 08, I believe), but the hardware prices were also higher in 2008.

2011 is easily less than 80% of 2008, so all this analyst is predicting is that 2014 will be close to as large as 2008.

The report by the analysts does say specifically from what I've seen. I thought straightaways about iOS and Android games as well as Steam and such. I'd assume that the report is including all the venues of gaming, though I didn't write the report so I can't say for sure. To bad I can't just call up the analysts responsible and ask them!

I would think that they would be including about mobile and things like that in order for the industry to grow by 25%.

@ Joelcool7  I am extremely impressed that you kept the OP under 7 paragraphs.  I have that problem myself..

Belive it or not I am trying very hard to create smaller threads and replies. It is so difficult for me to do, but I realize some users don't care to read my wall of text every time and that turns away potential readers who could benefit from being involved in the discussion. I hope you have noticed somewhat smaller threads with minor improvements recently.

Another issue I am trying desperatly to work on is not making any mistakes. Rol rides me really hard at the slightest mistake or opinion and I have got a critical response lately that I have made a few mistakes. I notice for every like 10-20 threads I create I tend to make around one or two mistakes. That is unacceptable and I am working very hard to ensure these mistakes don't occur.

Hence why I am using Sources more often now. I usually get all my information from developers themselves, press releases and so fourth. Only problem with that is I can't reference the source. VGChartz users won't take my word for it and some times I hear things from developers and such that contradicts media reports. This and human error result in clashes with other users, so to avoid that I am going to try and use more media sources in my threads!

Hope you like the improvements and have noticed them!

the one thing pub's need t do is get dev. cost under control then we'll see some real growth cause we can't afford for there budgets to get any bigger.

need i say why?

There is a fine line though.  The thread needs to be long enough to get it's point across.  Also, it has to capture the reader's interest and hold it.  I have had long threads that were successful and some that barely make it to the second page.  Also, if you make it too short, it'll look like haven't put forth any effort.  You don't want that either

Everyone makes mistakes.  You spelled believe incorrectly above for example.  :p  1 mistake for ever 10-20 threads is not bad at all in my opinion.  The main thing is being passionate about what you're talking about and conveying that passion.

I personally think that it's every writer's job to try to improve and you admitting to your mistakes is honorable.  A writer that rests on his laurels loses his/her edge eventually.  Keep up the good work! 

it's possible.... I mean video game even if it can look expensive at first is relatively cheap really.... look at it that way if you replace the week end at the beach or at the mountain by a weekend watching movies and series on zune or netflix or whatev with your family.... play some dance game with the kids or a little racing with the older boy.....
now friday night comes usually you go out and spend 100 bucks to go to the restaurant and then the movies with the fam.... instead you buy a game at 60 and arcade game for the wify bottom line you spend 80 bucks and it will last for several weeks..... etc etc.... you can even buy used one... rent trade etc...
gaming and especially gaming platforms in all forms are becoming a cheaper alternative for entertainment for the entire family..... (a lot like japan in some ways) and the NES generation are becoming parents

Yes I did, but no analysts. I also would call them contacts rather then friends I talk to them once in a while they email me I email them. I follow them on Twitter etc...etc... but its not like I know any professional analysts. I know a couple game journalists but analysts I don't! Not to mention honestly I don't care to know many analysts. Michael Pachter proved to me that analysts don't do anything I don't already do. Except for crunch numbers and report finances because I am not educated in accounting and such. But predicting business moves and what products will be successful and which ones won't I already do that just as good as Pachter!

Though I guess getting to know some couldn't be a bad thing. It would be cool to have intelligent conversations about products and whether they will succeed or not. But then again I do that here without being friends with an analyst!