They don't even need a "laser"

Just this week, FierceGameBiz passed on a report that MMOG's in North American and Eurpoe combined for 1 BILLION DOLLARS in market value. The report also predicts that by 2011 game accounts will generate 1.5 Billion USD in consumer spending. FierceGameBiz also cites a report from early last year that online gaming (not specfic about which types, so this may include gambling) would hit 3.2 Billion USD in 2011.

Unfortunately, Screen Digest's full report has to be purchased, but they did tease us with some key findings like:
- casual MMOGs and new business models (I'm guesing the free game/pay-for-items type) have helped market growth
- Germany is the largest market in Europe and should remain so for the next 5 years
- France is slated to have the biggest growth in Europe with Spain and Italy right behind
- WoW generates 54% of the total MMOG subscription revenues

Yeah, "WOW" to that!