Video Games: Entertainment Powerhouse

Despite the increasingly challenging economic climate the video game industry continues to maintain its incredible momentum. While other entertainment verticals remain stagnant or slowly decline, video games grew an astonishing 19% in 2008 reaching a record $21 billion in U.S. sales, $5 billion alone in December.

What are the underlying factors contributing to the industry's persisting strength? Is this growth sustainable if the economy continues to worsen? Will the development of new IP suffer as companies fall back on exploiting proven franchises? How will emerging verticals such as casual and social gaming fare? What can publishers do to best position themselves for future growth? And what will the industry look like five years from now?

MODERATOR:

Enrico D'Angelo, Associate Principal, McKinsey & Company

CONFIRMED PANELISTS:

Nick Fortugno, Chief Creative Officer, Rebel Monkey

Karthik Bala, CEO/Chief Creative Officer, Vicarious Visions

Rick Mehler, Director of Product Management, MTV Games/Harmonix

Frank DeLise, Former General Manager, THQ Kaos

Steve Lux, VP of Business Development, 2K Play

MBA COORDINATOR:

Jarah Euston - jarah@wharton.upenn.edu