The release of next-generation consoles from Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo will propel the U.S. market for video game consoles from $8.7 billion in 2004 to $11.7 billion in 2010, according to a report from Jupiter Research. The nearly $4 billion in revenue growth is projected despite an anticipated overall slowing of audience growth for game consoles: the firm predicts 2 percent annualized growth in the installed base for upcoming consoles, compared with the 8 percent annualized growth in installed base experienced by the current generation of consoles. Jupiter also predicted that Microsoft would reap only modest benefits should it launch its Xbox 360 this fall, ahead of its competitors, in contrast to the impressive head start that Sony got with its first-to-market launch of the PlayStation 2. "The market is going to be more evenly split this round -- regardless of when the players launch," said Jupiter senior analyst Jay Horwitz.
Try to imagine this scenario, that General Motors and Ford were given exclusive franchises to build America's interstate highway system, and also all the highways that connect local communities. Now imagine that, based upon a financial crisis, these troubled companies decided to convert all "their" local arteries into toll-roads -- they then use incremental toll fees to severely limit all travel to and from small businesses. Why? This handicapping process reduced the need to invest in building better new roads, or repairing the dilapidated ones. But, wouldn't that short-sighted decision have a detrimental impact on the overall national economy? It's a moot point -- pure fantasy -- you say. The U.S. political leadership would never knowingly risk the nation's social and economic future on the financial viability of a restrictive duopoly. Or, would they? The 21st century Global Networked Economy travels across essential broadband infrastructure. The forced intro...