In a report forecasting virtual world adoption, research and consulting firm Strategy Analytics has predicted that 22% of global broadband users will have registered for one or more virtual worlds, resulting in a one billion registrant market with an eight billion dollar services opportunity.

The study, "Market Forecasts for Virtual World Experiences," indicates that online worlds represent a massive activity growin in Asia, North and South America, and Europe. Though the report shows that most teens services, such as Sulake's Habbo Hotel, focus on attracting children and teens, Strategy Analytics noted that virtual worlds for adults are emerging as well.

Said Strategy Analytics president Harvey Cohen, "Despite a multitude of challenges, virtual worlds present a unique marketing opportunity to target a highly sought demographic, and virtual worlds should be part of a company's marketing portfolio."