However, Cole also notes that the online game market is still in its infancy and already there are substantially more products in development than the market can support.
The report also looks closely at the issue of console online gaming. "Microsoft's Xbox Live service is probably the biggest investment in online games yet. It is likely to be a major indicator of the future of console online gaming," said Cole.
The report goes into detail about the difference between Microsoft's approach to online gaming and Sony and Nintendo's approach. DFC forecasts that by 2006, 23 million consumers worldwide will be playing console games online.
The 400-page report, The Online Game Market 2002, provides a complete market overview. Issues covered include the history of online games, business models, operating costs, technology considerations, online distribution, advertising, game genres, consumer types, playing online via video game console systems, and detailed company profiles.