EA signals gaming boom extending run with upbeat annual forecast

FILE PHOTO: An Electronic Arts office building is shown in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 27, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake

(Reuters) -Electronic Arts Inc on Tuesday forecast annual adjusted revenue above analysts' estimates, betting that demand for its titles, including "FIFA 21" and "Apex Legends," would stay strong even as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

The video gaming industry has been a big pandemic winner thanks to a surge in engagement from gamers staying indoors. U.S. consumer spending on video games rose 18% in March to a record $5.6 billion, according to data from research firm NPD.