My last column discussed the need for a line of technology products for those older than 50 ("curmudgeonware"). This time let's go to the opposite end of the spectrum and talk about what new-genre games are going to do for the communications industry.

In case Pong was the last game you played, let me tell you how important this segment is: big. Global game software is growing at 16% per year worldwide and is a $15 billion business in the United States; 35% of U.S. cell phone users are playing games and the market is growing at 100% per year. In June, Viacom bought NeoPets, a site where users can adopt virtual pets, for $160 million.

But what's more interesting is where games are going. Nintendo is coming with a new clicker that knows where you and your hands are - imagine boxing with Muhammad Ali or playing tennis with Steffi Graf. Now imagine that your kid can win points by boxing with another 10-year-old in a virtual Golden Gloves championship. The big issue: broadband. Broadband will do more for the game industry than narrowband did for eBay. Today your kid plays with a LeapFrog. Tomorrow - virtual leapfrog with Michael Jordan.

Now the advertisers want in. Want to play the next-generation version of Electronic Arts' "Madden Football"? Budweiser will have its signage on the scoreboard . . . and pay for that. Want to ride the Tour de France on Lance Armstrong's team? His and your jerseys may carry an ad for the Discovery Channel. We are seeing the convergence of games and physical activity. "Dance Dance Revolution" is now installed in 24-hour fitness gyms and has sold 3 million units. The advertisers even want to have different kinds of ads for different types of users.

Let's face it, the communications industry could use some steroid growth - cell phones have reached saturation, so what is going to drive up minutes of use? Games. What will developers come up with when virtually every home has broadband? Just like every time that Intel came up with a faster chip Microsoft found a way to use that power, game developers are jumping on broadband and using all that communications capability to totally involve you in games that are challenging, entertaining . . . and addictive.

Where does all this go? Imagine a game that uses all your senses . . . where you are totally involved and part of your status is your relative ranking. Imagine a game like Star Trek, where you take control of the Enterprise and your physical actions control the story. Do you win the laser sword fight? Then the action moves one way. Do you challenge Spock? Then the ending changes - except the game never ends. Instead of playing Rotisserie football, how would you like to be the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots . . . where your quarterback score improves with your throwing expertise, where you had better learn the plays or you are going to be sacked.