On the heels of the NPD Group’s August game sales figures, NPD Group analyst Anita Frazier spoke with GameSpot about how the gaming industry’s revenue may hit $18 billion in 2007.
As of August, game sales have reached $8.02 billion for this year, which is up from $5.6 billion during the same period last year. Frazier predicts that unless something stunning happens during this holiday season, the gaming industry is on-track to reach $18 billion.
"The industry is up by nearly 50 percent. The back part of the year would have to fall apart to not have a record-breaking year. I think we’ll end in the range of $16 to $18 billion in the US."
Regarding Wii shortages, Grazier says that the shortages will continue well into next year, "Very simply, demand is still meeting or exceeding supply. I think we’ll see this situation continue through the holidays, and we may see some balancing starting February 2008."
Lastly, despite one heavy-hitter sinking into 2008 (GTA IV), Grazier remains positive over game sales for the rest of the year. She says that Rock Band and Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will be strong sellers and their competitiveness won’t hurt each other in sales.
"The rock music premise of both…is an experience with such broad appeal, I think they can coexist in the market nicely."
