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Commenting on the launch, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, DWTC said:
"Talking to our exhibitors it became clear that digital gaming has turned out to be a very important market in the Middle East, with not only the young population of the region but a wider adult audience increasingly investing a higher proportion of their disposable income in specialized hardware and software."
"We want to use Gitex Technology Week's unique global positioning to bring together distributors, developers and enthusiasts from around the world to profile the latest and the best in gaming technology. Providing a virtual link to Gitex Shopper will offer trade visitors and members of the public an opportunity to participate in the event and see the latest releases," he added.
To provide a fully-interactive experience, DWTC has partnered with Europe's leading Computer Gaming League, The Electronic Sports League (ESL), to organise the largest game tournament in the history of the Middle East as part of Gitex Digital Game World.
"The business potential of electronic gaming is enormous and the Middle East market is proving incredibly receptive to new games and online tournaments. We're proud to be working with DWTC to stage the first tournament of this size and scale in the entire region, and we're confident of a tremendous response. With our 10 years of experience in organizing computer gaming events and gaming community entertainment shows, we will ensure a great experience for the audience and maximum impact for the Middle East gaming industry" said Jens Hilgers, CEO, Turtle Entertainment, operator of the ESL.
In terms of revenue, gaming for the Personal Computer (PC) sector alone earned a staggering $8.2bn in online and retail sales in 2007, according to market-research firm DFC Intelligence, which also predicts that the market will grow by more than 80 percent in the next five years.
When the stellar sales of game stations like the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii are added into the equation, gaming technology will clearly emerged as an entertainment industry of equivalent value to film and television - and one which continues to show significant growth. In May 2008, the controversial Grand Theft Auto IV became the fastest-selling game of all time, selling six million copies worldwide, ringing up $500m in sales during its first week on the market.
Gitex Digital Game World will feature one of the most advanced professional platforms for the fast-growing videogame market. The event will use advanced interactive technology to link thousands of gamers and over 260,000 visitors during Gitex Technology Week and Gitex Shopper at Airport Expo.
Gitex Technology Week opens 19 - 23 October 2008, from 10am - 7pm daily. The event is open to trade and business professionals only and takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
