2011 social gaming revenues to exceed $1billion
Over one quarter (27%) of the online population of America will play at least one game on a social network at least once per month this year, says eMarketer. That’s approximately 62 million people, up from 53 million last year.
eMarketer forecasts that next year 29% of the US online population will play a game on a social network at least once per month.
It’s not too surprising, then, to hear that revenues from social gaming are expected to continue to rise. eMarketer pegs overall US revenues to hit $1.32 billion this year, up from $856 billion in 2010.
“For marketers, the sizeable audiences and growing revenue pie spell opportunity,” says eMarketer. “Companies in many industries are tapping into social gaming through branded virtual goods, offers, ads and campaigns that combine digital and real-world items. Experimentation will continue as the market develops and companies seek the best fit for their brands.”
Kevin Ryan, a leading Internet entrepreneur and former chief executive of online advertising giant DoubleClick, bounced around similar figures in an interview with Reuters. He believes Facebook is on course to generate $1 billion this year from social gaming. Most of this revenue will come from advertising, he added.