According to the CEA the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region is forecasted to generate video game hardware sales of about $8.8 billion in 2008. That number is up 18.4% from last year according to the CEA.

"Gaming is a very serious business and this news will be a positive boost to exhibitors participating in the International CES/hometech exhibition being held from May 25 to 27 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre," said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt GMBH, organizers of International CES/hometech.

Worldwide video game hardware sales exceeded 81 million units in 2007. The CEA predicts a 9.3% growth in 2008 over the 2007 figure. When game software is added in the worldwide revenue grows to a massive $50 billion.

Via CEA