Mobile gaming set to explode. To become a $22 bn industry by 2015 [Gartner]

Games are the most downloaded category for any smartphone OS. With the proliferation of tablets and the availability of cheap Android phones, mobile gaming  as a category will be looked at with renewed interest. The overall gaming pie was $67 bn in 2010. Mobile gaming was 15% of this or $10.4 billion. Gaming spend will exceed $74 bn in 2011 and will reach $112 bn in 2015. By that time, mobile gaming would be growing to constitute 20% of the gaming pie or $22.4 bn. That is more than 100% growth for Mobile gaming from 2010 levels.

As the popularity of smartphones and tablets continues to expand, gaming will remain a key component in the use of these devices. Although they are never used primarily for gaming, mobile games are the most downloaded application category across most application stores,” said Tuong Nguyen, principal research analyst at Gartner. “For this reason, mobile gaming will continue to thrive as more consumers expand their use of new and innovative portable connected devices. (Gartner)

Other insights on Gaming ecosystem :

• Hardware and Software would likely remain constant with Software losing some of its share to Online Gaming
• Gaming consoles like Playstation, Xbox and Kinect will generate the maximum revenues. Two-thirds of 2010 gaming revenues came from gaming consoles.
• Subscription will give way to Freemium models with money earned from advertisements.
• Micro-transactions, in-app purchases and virtual good purchases will drive the gaming ecosystem beyond 2015.
• Extending the gaming experience across platforms is key. Angry Birds is available on Android, iPhone, WP7 and on Google Chrome. This is paramount for Gaming ecosystem to survive and thrive.

Gartner defines Gaming ecosystem to include : Hardware, software and online gaming.

If we peel further here’s what constitutes the gaming ecosystem : 

• Gaming console manufacturers (e.g., Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft)
• Software for dedicated game consoles or platforms (such as PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii)
• Handheld video game consoles (such as Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS and DSi, and Sony PSP)
• PC/notebook gaming software
• Mobile gaming, which includes using mobile phones, tablets and smartphones as a gaming platform
• Online casual and social gaming segment