I think there is a huge market for 2d PC games.

I have seen boys play free 2d scrollers on the internet for hours without getting bored. The problem with the free internet games is that they are small screen with limited levels and lots of ads. They also take up internet time and for families that can be a problem.

Parents like the 2d scrollers because it is a compromise. the young boys want to play halo and the parents don't want the realistic violence the scrollers seem to be a good compromise.

So if you can make a 2d scroller with interesting levels that can be distributed cheaply via internet or on the budget aisle, and can be easily installed on a laptop or the families second computer and with good marketing I think you can be successful.

And if you make one where you save kittens from monsters you can break into the girl market.

lol... well, not so sure about aiming at the girl market, i might be able to do that with cute anime character styles, .. i'll definately be writing a story and setting up a 2d side scrolling shooter ... anybody else as ideas on this topic?

"i might be able to do that with cute anime character styles"
No No No not cute anime.... you want cute goth chicks and kittens with big sad eyes. Have the girls win by throwing their mothers at the monsters and you will make money!

Is there a market for cute anime?

truth is, a great game is a great game. solid gameplay, could mean fun and addicting, could mean great storyline, or incredible graphics. i love 2-d side scrollers. my favorites have to be the castlevania series, mega man series, sonic the hedgehog and my favorite of all time.......gunstar heroes! these are classics that will never die. if they are fast and there is a lot of action, you will have a hit. good luck.

Your market is online. You can't charge a lot either, and I'd think you'd need a small collection of games like this. You charge a fee for access to them over the net. Plenty of people get bored at work or at home, and need something fun like this to occupy their brain. At work, people can't install big 3d games or even play them and get away with it. Some people aren't in to serious 3d games or their rather high costs as well. So yes, market it right, and you can sell it.

Think of all the people who addictively play Minesweeper, Hearts, and Solitaire. I dare say, this is much more entertaining than that!