San Diego - The global video game and interactive entertainment industry is expected to grow from about $33 billion in 2006 to as much as $47 billion in 2009, according to a forecast from market research firm DFC Intelligence.

The report includes revenue from game hardware and software, handhelds, and PC and online games.

DFC projected worldwide sales for the three video game consoles will reach between 180 and 210 million units by 2012; the firm also raised its forecast for the Wii and PlayStation 3, while lowering its forecast for the Xbox 360.

"The Xbox 360 will need to build a strong base outside North America to avoid being in a fairly distant third," said DFC analyst David Cole.

Cole added that the Nintendo DS could become the best selling game system ever in five years, noting that revenue from handheld game software has more than doubled in recent years.

The firm also expects the PC game market will reach over $13 billion by 2012, fueled by the growth of online game revenue such as subscriptions, advertising and digital distribution.

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