Internet Users Got Game

Nearly as many gamers play on their computers as they play
with the PlayStation2 console, according to research from Lucid Marketing. The
information, gleaned from surveys with nearly 600
self-identified gamers in late April 2003, creates a
comprehensive image of the role the Internet plays with
fun-loving consumers, along with a profile of the typical
gamer.

While nearly 74 percent of the respondents indicated that
they played games on their computers, and more than 77 percent
said they played PlayStation2 (PS2), the console was the
preferred platform (46 percent compared to nearly 27 percent
for PC/Mac). Almost half (46 percent) indicated that they
played PS2 the most, while nearly 27 percent played their
games mostly on a PC or Mac computer.

But even gamers who prefer consoles indicate that the
Internet is an integral part of their interactive activity.
While most (40 percent) bought their games at a superstore,
such as Wal-Mart, online stores captured more than 25 percent
of gaming sales.

Not only are a significant portion of gamers buying online,
they are voluntarily signing up for e-mail communications with
game publishers, according to Lucid Marketing’s research. More
than three-quarters of respondents indicated that they always
or sometimes signed up, with almost 59 percent saying they
expected to receive download updates and add-ons to their
games.

Additionally, more than 73 percent said that they would
very interested or somewhat interested in communicating their
opinions about games to publishers via e-mail, while 80
percent were highly interested or somewhat interested in
getting e-mails with advance game release dates, information
and cheat codes.

Creating an online community plays into the overall gaming
picture too. More than 63 percent said that it was very
important or somewhat important to play online against others,
but more than half didn’t place importance on whether the
product sponsored the playing site.

The results of Lucid Marketing’s survey portray a profile
of the typical gamer — 19-to-34-year old male, who has played
video or PC games for 9 or more years, and averages 10+ hours
of playing time per week.