Financial analysts expect more consolidation among publishers, as the smaller ones lose the ability to compete effectively. Some predict that big media conglomerates that aren't now in the business will enter, seeing the opportunity for dominance.



Others say a funding system more like Hollywood's is likely to evolve.



"There are entrenched funding mechanisms in Hollywood that support $70 million movies," Spector said. "The movie-funding model is going to come to gaming, it's just a question of when."