The general worldwide environment in 2003 is tightening around a concept of converging markets, industries, technologies and media.

The international games market is evolving from a highly lucrative niche market focussed at early innovators to a global consumer market that exceeds other media industries for an individual's entertainment dollar.

This process has resulted from the increased integration of technology into modern life.

However, game design and development have resulted from market forces and wild experimentation, resulting in slow development of form. The time is ripe for qualitative research into the game experience.