Here is an interesting article about Electronic Arts COO David Gardner in which he outlines seven predictions for the future of gaming.
1. Female gaming: "We've been talking about this for a long time, but it's a market we need to crack."
2. In-game advertising: "The debate ends this year. It's here, let's get on with it. In-game advertising adds credibility depending on the product."
3. Multi-tasking: "All media are seeking ways to attract the multi-tasking media generation. The casual gamer is more of a free-roaming consumer, and in order to attract that consumer, game makers might have to be more flexible."
4. New talent: "New talent will fast-track on a much shorter learning curve. Writers and artists from other media will make a bigger impact. Students from universities who have grown up with games are creating great innovations."
5. Legislation: "More legislation attacking games will take place, despite recent victories against it. Game makers have an obligation to understand what we are building and explain that to consumers and to their parents."
6. User-created content: "Developers will encourage user-created content as a feature. Open environments like YouTube and MySpace have created a Wild West out there, but the game industry can provide controlled environments backed up by an economic universe where the content is either paid for or adds to the game experience."
7. Britain's role: "Britain can help lead the industry creatively. He joked that great games rarely come from a good climate, and pointed to standout British gaming contributions such as Tomb Raider and Grand Theft Auto."
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