Gaming is on the up, that we already know, but it looks as if things are about to go through the roof, market researchers TMNG predicting that the will be worth 40 billion USD by 2012.

Mobile gaming in particular is tipped for dramatic growth, which could be as much 24.6 per cent per year. Better technology meanwhile, will also drive broadband uptake and network accessibility further empowering the medium.

"Despite the current economic downturn, gaming has proven to be resilient in these trying times and is the leading entertainment segment that is fueling growth," offered TMNG’s Rich Nespola.

"The expansion of games, simpler user interfaces and the proliferation of innovative business models is broadening the gamer demographic. The timing is ripe for service providers to hedge the business cycle."

Girls are expected to account for a higher proportion of gaming in the future, while the average gamer's age is expected to reach 33. Crikey.

By Luke Guttridge