The video and computer games market is characterised by periodic console releases and numerous developments in software. In 2002, Nintendo and Microsoft have sought to compete with Sony in the console market; Nintendo are well-established in the market while the Xbox represents Microsoft's first foray into the static console market.

The continuing technological advancements in computer chip technology mean that PCs remain at the forefront of gaming, however, the PC gaming software market has contracted in the last two years. Despite this, the market as a whole was worth more than £1.6 billion in 2001.

This report looks at the trends in the market since Mintel last analysed video and computer games in August 2000. The report also includes exclusively commissioned research in the form of a survey of 2,000 adults aged 15 or over.

Mintel also covered this market in 1996 and 1998.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Cable and Satellite TV, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, November 2001

- Gaming Machines, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, March 2002

- Audio Visual Review, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, August 2001

- In-home Interactive Media, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, February 2001

- Records, Tapes and CDs, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, February 2001

- Teenage Leisure, Special Report, July 2002

- Computer Retailing, Retail Intelligence - UK Report, March 2001

- The Home Personal Computer Market, Leisure Intelligence - US Report, January 2002

- Family Leisure Trends, Special Report, 2001

- Pre-family Leisure Trends, Special Report, 2001

- In-home Entertainment Retailing, Retail Intelligence - UK Report, September 2000

and the forthcoming:

- Video and Computer Games, Leisure Intelligence - US Report, October 2002.