The EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) 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.

These figures are as per sales reports compiled by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)(R) and GfK, the market research group.

The figures were released at the International CES/Hometech Exhibition which concludes today (May 27) at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

“Gaming is a very serious business and this news is a positive boost to exhibitors participating at the International CES/Hometech exhibition,” said CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt GMBH, organisers of International CES/Hometech, Eckhard Pruy.

“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).”

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.

Research showed gaming is very big business and universities, banks, clothing stores, soft drink manufacturers and airlines across the world are tapping into the gaming market to push their experience and brand image. It was projected that game advertising alone will witness striking growth from Dh293 million ($80 million) in 2006 to Dh3.48 billion ($950 million) by 2011.

The International CES/Hometech is the ideal platform in the Middle East for the gaming market in 2008, to unlock the most recent advancements and trends. It will offer first-hand experience to its attendees, from the entire spectrum of the gaming industry.

The International CES is the world's biggest platform for new technology and devices from the biggest innovators. For 41 years, the International CES has been the must-attend event for new technology: almost every major consumer electronics advance has been launched at CES, including the VCR, CD player, DVD player, HDTV, satellite radio, Xbox, HDTV DVR and IPTV.

Many of the more than 20,000 products launched at the 2008 International CES in Las Vegas, the world's largest technology tradeshow, will soon be on store shelves and in consumers' living rooms.

The International CES/Hometech Gaming Zone also plays host to a competitive gaming tournament that will see top computer gaming players and professionals from around the region pit their skills and reflexes in team and individual games. – TradeArabia News Service