When most people think of "gamers," the image of a 17-year-old boy playing Xbox 360 first comes to mind, but that might just change after seeing the eye-opening 'Into the Minds of Women Who Game Online' infographic.
Created by GameHouse, the illustrated chart examines the lives of those who play online games, with 55% of the individuals being women. Also surprising is the fact that female gamers seem to live more flourishing lives than non-gamers, being more social (both online and in person), having more active sex lives and exercising slightly more. With 64% of these game-fiends being over the age of 35, it seems that much of the online gaming world is made up of individuals who lead busy lives as parents and professionals, and use the games as a way to "relieve stress," as the graph suggests.
Though I haven't delved much into the world of online gaming, I might just look into it after reading the positive effects from 'Into the Minds of Women Who Game Online' -- although I'm not sure if anything could encourage me to exercise more.
Girly Cyber-Gaming Stats
'Into the Minds of Women Who Game Online' is Eye-Opening
Trend Themes
1. Women Gaming Revolution - The rise of female gamers and their positive effects on health and social lives presents an opportunity for game developers to create more gender-inclusive games and diversify their target audience.
2. Online Gaming for Busy Professionals - The prevalence of gamers who are parents and professionals indicates an opportunity for game developers to create more time-efficient, stress-relieving game options for this demographic.
3. New Market for Gaming Accessories - As more women enter the gaming market, there is an opportunity for accessory manufacturers to create products targeted towards the specific needs and preferences of female gamers.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming Industry - Game developers could benefit from creating gender-inclusive, time-efficient, stress-relieving games to attract more female and busy professional gamers.
2. Health and Wellness Industry - The positive effects of gaming on physical and social health suggest opportunity for partnerships between health and wellness companies and gaming developers to create innovative, health-promoting gaming experiences.
3. Consumer Electronics Industry - As a new market of female gamers emerges, accessory manufacturers could benefit from creating products that cater to the specific preferences of this demographic.