In its report, ‘Global Wireless Gaming,’ the U.K. firm predicts that combined revenues from the U.S., Europe, and Asia/Pacific markets will grow, from an estimated $950-million in 2001 to $17.5- billion in 2006.

"Operators in Europe and in the U.S. are finally taking wireless gaming seriously," says Peter Tyson, data monitor games analyst. "It has taken the dot.com correction and the threat of loosing popular content to collapsing start-ups for them to open their wallets and their systems. But now they have, the industry is starting to thrive."

Revenue Forecasts
Europe's wireless gaming market is currently estimated at $105-million and will skyrocket to $4.5- billion by 2006, while the U.S. market will grow from just $20-million today to $3-billion over the same period.

Gaming Population
Asia-Pacific is deemed the wireless gaming capital of the world with 60 million wireless gamers, accounting for half of the gamers worldwide. Today 41 million Europeans play games on their mobile phones and PDAs compared to 22 million Americans. The wireless gaming population will grow to 224 million in the next five years as new devices and services bring accessible gaming entertainment to all.

Gamers’ Profile
"Our research shows wireless users are not playing games simply to pass time, they choose to play a game over and above other activities. Wireless games are not simple time wasters but are actually engaging users with fun content, says Tyson. Even though more than half of the mobile gamers have PC Internet access, 80 percent of WAP phone users will choose to play their handset board games over the richer gaming experience offered on their desktops, he added.

‘Global Wireless Gaming’ offers insight into this nascent market, covering both mobile phones and PDAs. Issues covered include the proper business model for wireless gaming; market size and forecasts segments by wireless networks and business models; user base, and profiles of industry leading companies.