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Dubai: The Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region is forecast to generate sales of video game hardware (consoles and portable) worth Dh32.3 billion ($8.8 billion) this year, up by 18.4 per cent over that of last year, according to sales reports compiled by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)(R) and GfK, the market research group.
Extensive research by Ericsson in the Middle East markets reveals that 32 per cent of users in the UAE and Saudi Arabia play games at least once a week. These numbers outperform other mobile services like MMS, portal browsing and listening to music or even mobile TV.
"Gaming is a very serious business and this news is a positive boost to exhibitors participating at the International CES/Hometech exhibition," said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt GMBH, organisers of International CES/Hometech.
Worldwide video game hardware sales (console and portable devices) exceeded 81 million units in 2007. This year, CEA and the GfK Group forecast unit growth of 9.3 per cent, yielding sales of nearly 89 million units and revenue of Dh90.6 billion ($24.7 billion). Add in gaming software for video game consoles and portables, and the worldwide revenues approaches Dh183.5 billion ($50 billion).
"The computer games industry has changed massively over the last ten years and it has truly planted both its feet in providing global entertainment for individuals, families and professionals," said Jaffer Mir, CEO of Game Frontier.
Research showed gaming is very big business and universities, banks, clothing stores, soft drink manufacturers and airlines are tapping into the gaming market to push their experience and brand image.
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