Not a big gamer, but I was reading something about online gaming that caught my eye.  About 34% of adult internet users play online every week.  It’s more than the percentage of adults who watch videos or use social networking sites.  Online gaming and virtual worlds  are booming as both casual and hard-core gamers gravitate toward internet offerings.  With them come virtual economies with goods and currencies that can be turned into real-world cash – which means opportunity for entrepreneurs.

Trading, buying and selling of virtual currency from popular games like World of Warcraft and EverQuest has been a largely underground market – until now.  But developers are filling the need/void by creating a platform where users can trade, buy and sell virtual currencies from online games and virtual worlds. There are other areas that developers can fill a niche & and create a viable business as long as they are adaptable and can change as needs change.  If you’re a good enough developer, you can design informational services, like forums, walk-throughs, guides, tips and much more for gamers.

Of course, as with anything else in this world, you need contacts.  Be prepared to talk to online game developers who create the virtual worlds that fuel the industry.  You may want to ask either for feedback on product ideas or develop creative partnerships.

The gaming industry is growing and the online world space is growing.  There are going to be more need for good information and products that help people enjoy their experience more.

Coupled with the findings that were just released yesterday, the majority of American kids, specifically teens, spend about 8 hours  on some type of electronic device. With boys tending to play more video games (online games/computer games) just goes to show that the gaming industry is poised to growth at an exponential rate.