The worldwide video game market is expected to grow to $47 billion in 2009, up from $33 billion in 2006, according to DFC Intelligence.

The newest generation of video game consoles is driving this growth. Based on sales so far, DFC said it had raised its forecast for the Nintendo Wii and the Sony PlayStation 3 and lowered its forecast for Microsoft's Xbox 360.

"The Xbox 360 will need to build a strong base outside North America to avoid being in a fairly distant third," said David Cole, DFC analyst, in a statement.



DFC predicted that the Wii would have the strongest sales through at least 2008, but that PlayStation 3 game revenue could grow starting in 2009.

"We could have a situation where the Wii sells more hardware units, but by 2012 the PlayStation 3 is generating more software revenue," Mr. Cole said.

DFC also estimated PC game revenue would grow to more than $13 billion by 2012. Online game subscriptions, advertising and digital distribution were named as the main revenue drivers.

eMarketer's own worldwide video game revenue estimates for 2009 are right in line with DFC's, at $46 billion. Revenues will climb to $54 billion in 2011, up from $34 billion in 2006.