Contact:
Julian Mattocks
Phone: +43-1-81140-308
E-Mail: mattocks@pressetext.com
| Pressbox | 
|
Scottsdale, Arizona (pte016/29.11.2004/11:45) - Mobile gaming is becoming one of the fastest-growing applications in India's wireless business, according to a report by In-Stat/MDR http://www.instat.com . As the BBC http://www.bbc.com reports, the Indian mobile gaming market is expected to generate 26 million dollars (19.6 million euros) by the end of 2004. According to In-Stat/MDR, this revenue will increase to 336 million dollars (253.4 million euros) by 2009.
Mobile phone users grew by 1.4 million to 44.9 million in October, overtaking the number of landlines, said the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Reasons for the recent drive in the market are cheap rates and a huge youth market, analysts say. India has a large population of under-25s, and many living in urban areas are quickly adopting mobile phones as must-have gadgets.
"The growth of this market sector has attracted publishers, developers, animators, musicians, and content providers, and is also stimulating the development of innovative business models," said Clint Wheelock, director of In-Stat/MDR's wireless research group. "Mobile gaming is not just about fun, it also represents one key element of a rich mobile entertainment experience for consumers, and a lucrative market opportunity for industry players."
In January 2003, only 10 million people subscribed to mobile phones in India. Less than 20 per cent of India's total population own a mobile in India, compared to over 50 per cent in European countries. However, according to In-Stat/MDR, mobile gaming will make up one of the most important markets in the next wave of mobile multimedia growth. At present, India has six big games developers and four mobile operators that offer games to their subscribers, the report by the hi-tech market research firm says. Analysts predict that 220 million people will be playing games on mobile phones by 2009, which will generate billions for mobile companies.
(end)
|
|
