Like all others, the 3DM&A industry is going through a period of contraction and consolidation. However, as difficult as it is for all participants, the JPR study points out that this is often a prelude to growth.
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||||||||
Worldwide forecast 3D Modeling
and Animation ($M US dollars) CAGR – 6.8%, 2007 to 2013 |
219 | 237 | 221 | 238 | 262.05 | 293.49 | 328.71 |
The 3D Modeling and Animation market includes software tools that are used for TV and movie special effects, creating content for games, product design, and for the web. Over the years the industry has grown steadily, but the 3DM&A tools are still expensive and used primarily by professionals.
Mainstream Markets Open Up for 3DM&A
Beyond traditional industries, new markets are also opening up for more
casual users of 3D modeling and animation tools, defying barriers posed
by high cost and complexity. Free 3DM&A tools are becoming available and
millions of copies are being downloaded every year suggesting a pent-up
demand for easy-to-use 3D tools. In addition, there is a hard core of
hobbyists and casual users who are using 3D tools even though the
learning curve is steep. New distribution models are just now opening up
including online worlds, YouTube, MyToons, the Daz communities, and
more. By the end of this decade, new growth will come in mainstream
markets, the report says.