Mexican game market approaches $1 billion, also YUGS

Research group Americas News Intelligence thinks that the Mexican games market might be worth $1 billion by the end of the decade. ¡Dios Mio!

According to Gamasutra, the Miami-based group says that total revenues (not counting the pirated stuff) for the year are up over 30 percent over last year, coming in at $670 million by the end of this year. They expect numbers to raise 22.2 percent to $818 million in 2008.

“The results of our research flies in the face of the image of Mexico as an insignificant consumer market plagued with piracy,” said Phung Pham, lead analyst on the report. “There is a booming gamer population and despite problems with piracy, a substantial level of legitimate business. And video game publishers are finally starting to take note.”

The report also stresses the market importance of “YUGS” — young, unmaryied gamers. The unattractive term (or YUGGIES) applies to the mid-20’s singles living at home with plenty of disposable income. I would get married just to avoid being called that.