Virtual goods market could reach $2B this year: report

Updates from virtual games like Mafia Wars and FarmVille may drive many social networkers crazy. However, virtual goods are becoming big business for the companies making them, as well as the marketers willing to attach themselves social games, according to a report in The New York Times.

Although most virtual goods purchases don't burn a hole in the consumer's pocket – many are $3 or less – the virtual goods market could account for nearly $2 billion in revenue or more this year, financial research firm ThinkEquity told the Times. The market could even reach $2.6 billion next year.