Leipzig, Germany - The global PC game industry totaled $10.7 billion in 2007, led by online PC gaming revenue with $4.8 billion, while retail sales accounted for just 30% of total revenues, according to a report from the industry trade group the PC Gaming Alliance.

Growth was largely driven by online revenues from Asia, which is the world's largest market and approaching half of total worldwide sales.

Sales of digitally distributed games were nearly $2 billion, while advertising revenues -- generated by in-game ads, portals and websites -- were $800 million.

The PCGA expects these sectors to grow substantially, as major publishers increasingly adopt these new opportunities.

"By pioneering new business models, the PC has quietly remained the single leading platform for games, not only in terms of consumer usage, but revenue generation," said David Cole, an analyst with DFC Intelligence.

"The real key has been the rapid growth in penetration of broadband-connected PCs in all markets around the world."

DFC estimates that less than one-third of households in the top 20 markets for games had a broadband connection at the end of 2007, indicating much room for additional growth.

Related Links:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080819005075/en

http://www.pcgamingalliance.org