More 'female' related survey info

Spot|DSE wrote on 6/25/2004, 9:24 PM
We're part of a consulting team for females in the vid industry (totally non-Sony related if the paranoids are interested) and so are currently receiving a lot of female-relevant survey info. The last one I posted seemed to be of interest, so thought you'd enjoy this one too...
Middle Age Females Play More Games Online Than Teen Males

Nielsen//NetRatings, reports that last month more time was spent on online games than sport sites and news sites. More than 46 million, or nearly one in three online Americans, visited online game sites during May,2004.

"The diversity of online game offerings showcases the popularity of games in the U.S.," said Kaizad Gotla, Internet analyst, Nielsen//NetRatings. "Ranging from sites that offer original games to content sites that offer the latest information on popular console and PC games, the gaming industry's presence online is indisputable."

Most Popular Online Game Sites, May 2004 (U.S., Home and Work)
Brand or Channel Time Per Person (hh:mm:ss)
1. Slingo 4:08:38
2. EA Online 2:29:40
3. MSN Games 2:04:26
4. AOL Games 1:51:51
5. jigzone.com 1:34:50

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, May 2004

Middle-aged women were the largest demographic group for online game sites. Fifteen percent of online gamers were women between the ages of 35 to 49, comprising a larger percentage than their male counterparts and teen males.

"Contrary to popular belief, the online games category is not dominated by males or by teens," continued Gotla. "Rather, the popularity of online games appeals to a broad demographic online, especially among middle-aged women."

Gender Demographic of Online Game Sites Visitors, May 2004 (U.S., Home and Work)
Ages Male Unique Audience Composition (%) Female Unique Audience Composition (%)
2 - 11 3.7% 3.5%
12 - 17 9 5.7
18 - 24 4.6 3.5
25 - 34 8.8 7.8
35 - 49 14.4 15.2
55 - 64 4.1 6
65+ 2.4 2.7

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, May 2004

Overall, the gender make-up of the online game audience is nearly equal. Of the 46 million online game users in May, 51 percent were male while 49 percent were female. Kids made up seven percent of the audience, while teens made up 15 percent of online gamers.

Age Demographic of Online Game Sites Visitors, May 2004 (U.S., Home and Work)
Unique Audience Composition (%)
Gender
Male 50.8%
Female 49.2
Age
2 - 11 7.2
12 - 17 14.7
18 - 24 8.1
25 - 34 16.6
35 - 49 29.6
55 - 64 10.1
65+ 5.1

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, May 2004

Comments

TheHappyFriar wrote on 6/26/2004, 6:04 AM
Interesting. Did the article/study also say what percentage of women play Counter Strike (it takes up easly over 50% of the entire online gaming market)?

Aso, was this commercial games only, Yahoo game style games (free card games, things like that) or a combo?
Stonefield wrote on 6/26/2004, 12:31 PM
My guess is yes, it's those online board games, scrabble, cards, yatzee are the highest played games. I've known several women in that middle age group that play those games every night. The appeal of being able to chat with the people in a casual atmosphere I believe is also a huge lure for them.

I also know of at least 3 women who are nightly online gamers are going thru a divorce right now as a result of too much time online. Those online chat/game rooms can be addictive.

Thank goodness for Vegas. It get's me outside to shoot footage !
Erk wrote on 6/26/2004, 12:40 PM
"outside" -- what's that?

Greg
TheHappyFriar wrote on 6/26/2004, 1:11 PM
It's the place between your front door & the car. :)
DavidMcKnight wrote on 6/26/2004, 4:18 PM
My wife, who turned 40 this year, plays some yahoo and msn games nightly.

But Spot please....oh dear God, please....do not call her middle aged.... LOL

DM
Spot|DSE wrote on 6/26/2004, 6:12 PM
Don't worry, I won't call your wife middle-aged. :-) I'm pushing that myself.
Nielsen was the source, not me. Was definitely surprised to see these numbers in spite of what I "thought" we had under our resource file. Our survey and report numbers were lower by a few points. Nielsen and Redbook both report similar numbers....So, maybe women have more free time than we'd guess, huh?
RexA wrote on 6/27/2004, 1:49 AM
lol
GmElliott wrote on 6/28/2004, 6:25 AM
I'd have to say I do know plenty of females that are love their online gaming...but it's not your "typical online" gaming they are usually more novel light hearted java-based games like the Yahoo games site. My girlfriend for one is absolutly addicted to "Word Racer"...a game on Yahoo.com However I don't see many girls being interested in the hard-core (software based) online games. Very rarely have I seen any supposed females on my Unreal Tournament 2004/ City of Heros/ Call of Duty/ Warcraft 3/Battlefield Vietnam servers.

Oh and Counter Strike is not anywhere close to 50% of the market?! Probably not even 10% of the share. Where did you get those #'s from?! lol It's a fading game based on a really aged graphics engine. I'd have to say if anything Everquest has the largest share on online gaming....