In its Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2005-2009 report, PricewaterhouseCoopers analysts are predicting that over the next four years, the global entertainment and media industry is projected to grow at a 7.3 percent compound annual growth rate. PWC analysts charted revenues of $1.3 trillion in 2004 and see spending climbing to $1.8 trillion in the sectors in 2009.

　　"Online and wireless video games, online film rental subscriptions, licensed digital distribution of music, and the rapid adoption of ring tones and mobile music downloads are becoming critical components of the industry and driving significant revenues across all regions," PWC analyst Wayne Jackson said in a statement today.

　　Reasons behind the growth? No surprises here. The report says: "The next generation of game consoles should have a major impact on the market in 2006 and 2007. The introduction of handheld game consoles and their associated games will buttress the console game market in 2005. The next generation of consoles, with their embedded online capabilities, will also have a positive effect on the demand for online games."

　　The video game software marketplace in the United States, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Asia/Pacific, Latin America, and Canada will increase from $25.4 billion in revenue in 2004 to $54.6 billion in 2009, PWC analysts say. Asia/Pacific, the largest market at $10.1 billion in 2004, is "projected to maintain its leadership, growing by 18.0 percent on a compound annual rate through 2009, reaching $23.1 billion."

　　The US, with $8.2 billion in revenues during 2004 is slated to grow by more than 12 percent.

　　A number of telling charts were posted on the PricewaterhouseCoopers Web site promoting the study. Of greatest interest is the company's projection of growth in the US online game marketplace and where the researchers at PWC see mobile gaming headed in the EMEA markets.

　　The full report has a hefty price tag: $995 for the complete report. A "top level" overview is available for $95 from the research firm.