Game on!

The online gaming industry is undergoing a period of rapid investment, expansion and innovation. In the last few years, investment and usage has shifted to new forms of gaming (particularly around social networks), ‘freemium’ and microtransaction business models have been proven, and ‘games as a service’ has emerged as a viable model.

As online gaming reaches the mainstream, traditional media companies and investors are entering the fray, seeking growth and outlets for their IP. Online gaming is coming of age; here are the league tables and key trends as we see them. Gaming investment is heating up – the period 2006 to H1 2010 saw over 700 deals. We estimate that over $1bn has flown into gaming companies in 2010, over double that which was invested in 2006, despite the more challenging economic environment.