A recent interview with IAC chief Barry Diller revealed a couple of interesting tidbits: the possibility of an IAC-owned AOL; and the potential of online gaming.
Diller said his company has been interested in acquiring AOL for some time if Time Warner ever tired of it. And it looks like Time Warner may be doing just that soon.
In an interview with AdAge, Diller said:
I’ve always said AOL is great opportunity for somebody. When and if Warner doesn’t want it, I’ll certainly be at the door.
Just after that, Diller expressed another area where the company will lend its focus – the online gaming sector. Specifically, he addressed good graphic quality gaming, not casual gaming.
“That’s an area nobody has played in yet, and we’re going to play heavy in that.”
Online gaming in general is seen as a major growth industry, and one that may be highly targetable. With women making up 74 percent of the casual gaming market, that probably leaves a hefty chunk of men leaning toward the type of gaming Diller was talking about.
By 2010, in-game advertising is expected to pull in $1 billion, a valuation that could be exceeded if social networking elements are added to the mix. Looks like 2008 may be shaping up as expected, too. (Maybe a little later than expected).
