Nielsen Games has just released research that asserts that the European Union has surpassed the U.S. as the second largest video game market. Video games accounted for 11.4 billion in revenue in the EU and 11.5 billion in Asia. The United States came up in the rear, generating a measly 10.7 billion. The research also examined some general opinions about gaming in Europe.
It seems that Europe, in general, has a fairly positive opinion of video games:
Of those polled, 72 per cent found gaming "a fun way to spend time" - compared to 68 per cent for television and cinema - and 57 per cent believe that gaming "stimulates the imagination" - compared to 48 per cent for movies and 35 per cent for television.
This sort of research is clearly beneficial to game industry in the EU:
"This research confirms what the industry has realised for a long time - gaming is now enjoyed by an incredibly diverse audience," said ELSPA managing director Michael Rawlinson.
"And the UK is a particularly mature market – we have the oldest, most passionate gamers across Europe.
"The fact that gamers are growing up and enjoying gaming with their children illustrates the enduring nature of the medium. It’s fair to say that, compared to other forms of entertainment, games are doing well."
Isn't it astonishing what happens when parents play games with their children? It's like magic! And, strangely enough, we don't hear about schoolchildren going on rampages in Europe. It might be time to move to France...
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