14.9 Peer-to-Peer Applications: Gaming

Networked games have slowly begun to take shape but are definitely a strong contender in the future. With the increase in the number of broadband connections to end users, the video games industry has started to develop the games that can be played over a network. The video games industry is almost as big as Hollywood in terms of revenue. Currently mobile devices include some form of games on the devices. However, with the networks being upgraded to support packet data services, new types of games are expected to be developed and deployed for these devices and networks.

Games are often focused toward the younger generation. With support from mobile networks and devices, games present an opportunity for both game developers and games services. Games are also considered a big source of revenue in the future for operators. Games can be played between end users or by an user with the network. Online casinos and gambling are other types of applications that will be deployed by operators in order to generate revenue from new services over mobile networks.

Another type of peer-to-peer application is the ability to share music. Napster is a well-known phenomenon . Peer-to-peer applications such as file sharing will also be possible via the wireless IP networks in the future.