Port Washington, N.Y. – One in five Americans, or some 56.8
million consumers, has played a game on a social network in the past three
months, according to a report from market research firm NPD Group.
The report
found that 35% of social network gamers are entirely new to gaming, with females
and older age groups more likely to be new gamers than other demographics.
Despite perceptions that social gamers are primarily female, the study found a
fairly even division, with 53% female and 47% male.
Some 10% of social network
gamers have spent real money playing games, and 11% say they’d do so in the
future.
"Although 35 percent of social network gamers are new to gaming,
it’s clear that a lot of existing gamers have been drawn into the social
network gaming arena as well," said NPD analyst Anita Frazier.
"This
impacts both the time they spend with other types of gaming, as well as the
amount of money they’re spending on gaming. As more players are drawn into
these games, the entire games industry is going to feel, and have to adjust to,
the impact."
Related Links:
http://www.npd.com
