If you like gaming on social networking sites, you’re not alone.
A new report by research group eMarketer projects that 62 million Americans will play one game a month in 2011. That could translate into over $1 billion, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
If it holds true, that would be an increase of 28% over last years numbers.
Nearly 62 million Internet users in the U.S. — or 27% of web surfers — are expected to play at least one game on a social network per month in 2011, up from 53 million last year, eMarketer said.
Revenue from virtual goods will continue to bring in the biggest share of dollars this year and next. And marketers are expected to spend $192 million to advertise on social networking games, up 60% from last year.
“Forecasts of audience and revenue growth present an opportunity for marketers to promote their brands through social games,” said Paul Verna, author of the upcoming report Social Gaming: Marketers Make Their Moves.
I still can’t believe that people are paying real money for virtual property. The games must be really fun.