Game makers realize the potential of Europe's burgeoning games market, but it continues to lag behind other regions, Forbes reports.

Citing research from International Development Group, Forbes states that the European games market generated $17.9 billion in 2007. Not bad compared to the U.S. games market, which raked in $18.8 billion last year.

But Europe's population is twice as big as the U.S.'s.

Game companies realize the potential of Europe. Microsoft has called the region a key "battleground" for the console war, and Sony's PlayStation 3 has maintained momentum thanks in part to strong brand loyalty a games like SingStar. Nintendo's hit Wii Fit launched in Europe before the U.S.

On the software front, IDG listed Europe's top 10 best-selling games:

1. Dr. Kawashimas' Brain Training, Nintendo
2. FIFA 2008, EA
3. Wii Play, Nintendo
4. Pro Evolution Soccer 2008, Konami
5. New Super Mario Bros., Nintendo
6. Need for Speed Pro Street, EA
7. Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft
8. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Activision
9. Big Brain Academy, Nintendo
10. The Simpson's Game, EA