DFC Intelligence forecasts that by 2011 the worldwide online game market will grow to more than $13 billion, from $3.4 billion in 2005, writes IGN.com. Although Asia is the current leader in online games, North America is expected to give it a run for its money, according to the report. Massively multiplayer online games (MMOG) are expected to remain the leading game category, despite appealing to a relatively small segment of players.

According to DFC, "MMOGs have a sophisticated online business model that drives a great deal of revenue for the top products." Typically, MMOGs have a subscription service that generates revenue rather than relying on retail sales.