Three of the most exciting areas in the world of information technology have tremendous synergies and are closely connected in the worlds of information and entertainment: electronic games, mobile apps and social media. Competition continues to heat up as mergers and acquisitions create international mega-firms, and hundreds of millions of people connect worldwide via online gaming platforms and social media such as Facebook. As social media grows more global, it is also being incorporated in virtually all online activities, from business collaboration to online retailing. Games are growing in two channels at once: online and offline. While multi-player games online are vastly popular, game machine manufacturers such as Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo continue to introduce big breakthroughs in handsets that keep players excited, including the new move towards 3D. Meanwhile, apps are changing the shape of the mobile and wireless industry. This carefully-researched book is a complete market research and business intelligence tool–everything you need to know about the business of games, apps and social media. The book includes our analysis of games, apps and social media industry trends; dozens of statistical tables; an industry glossary; a database of industry associations and professional organizations; and our in-depth profiles of more than 200 of the world’s leading companies, both in the U.S. and abroad. You’ll find a complete overview, industry analysis and market research report in one superb, value-priced package.