Survey: PopCap releases casual game findings

13 Sept 2006

Summary

New data by the market research firm, Information Solutions Group, conducted on behalf of game publisher and developer, PopCap Games, provides some interesting highlights about the demographics, gaming habits, and reasons people spend time gaming.

Contrary to popular belief, the average player of casual games is not a teen – it’s the teen’s mother. 71 percent of survey respondents were 40 years or older, 76 percent of them female.

Additionally, women players are more likely to play more often and spend more time at each session. A full 60 percent of women indicated they play daily, and nearly 30 percent play for more than 10 hours a week.

Why do people play? 88 percent said they play as a form of stress relief. In surprising results, the research also showed that "casual game players view the playing of games as a more important leisure time activity than watching television, reading, or spending time with family and friends."

Things to think about before you download "free" games

• What you might not know is that when you download "free" games, you may also get adware, spyware, and other malicious code. To help protect yourself, only play or download games from companies you know to be reputable.
• You may also get spam because the terms and conditions for using these "free" games often have clauses that say you agree to be contacted with mail to your home address, telemarketing, or e-mail solicitation. Always read the terms and conditions before you play.