Is gaming on its knees as a result of piracy? Not if the latest research results are to be believed, consultancy firm Jon Peddie finding that PC gaming will actually grow by 5.9 percent this year.

The market is now predicted to hit 21.26 billion USD in 2009, despite the same research having predicted a drop of 7 percent earlier this year.

"The increase is due to higher than anticipated consumer demand for Enthusiast, Performance, and Mainstream influenced by the ability to play video games ranging from to hardcore simulations," enthuses the report.

A whopping 30 percent growth is predicted for 2010.

"A recovering economy, processing advancements, and higher quality gaming offerings will all contribute to a healthy year for PC gaming hardware in 2010," the report concludes.

By Luke Guttridge