Music Simulations Come From Nowhere to Overtake Sports as Second Most Played Video Game Genre |
Majority Of Rockers are Female
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Odyssey, an independent market
research firm focused exclusively on understanding consumers and
technology, today announced results from a study showing that music
simulations are now the second most played genre on video game consoles.
These findings were part of Odyssey's Homefront study, a quarterly tracking
study of ownership and usage of home media products and services among U.S.
households, conducted since 1994.
"We have seen an explosion in the music simulation category," said Nick
Donatiello, Odyssey's President and CEO. "The phenomenal success of the
Rock Band and Guitar Hero franchises in the past year has reshaped the
landscape of the console game market."
Odyssey's data shows that 58% of console game players are playing music
simulations, making it the second most played genre among console game
players -- behind only action games (65%) and ahead of sports (50%).
Participation in sports gaming continues to slide. In 2008, 50% of
console gamers report playing sports games -- down from 55% in 2007 and
from 62% in 2005. "While sports is still one of the critical categories,
sports games are becoming relatively less important," said Donatiello.
Top 5 Game Genres Played On Video Game Consoles
Other Simulations 32
Adventure RPG 36
Sports 50
Music Simulations 58
Action 65
(Percent of U.S. consumers over sixteen who play games on video game
consoles)
Majority Of Music Simulation Players Are Female
In contrast to the other top console genres where the majority of
players are male, the data from Homefront shows that 53% of those who play
music simulations are female. "Typically males have dominated the major
console game genres. The fact that females make up the majority of a key
category may be the first meaningful indication that console gaming is
beginning to expand its audience, but it is too soon to tell," said Erik
Whiteford, Odyssey's Managing Director.
Video Game Console Penetration since January '95
January '95 38
July '95 38
January '96 35
July '96 35
January '97 33
July '97 32
January '98 33
July '98 36
January '99 35
July '99 36
January '00 35
July '00 36
January '01 39
July '01 39
January '02 40
July '02 39
January '03 38
July '03 37
January '04 36
November '05 37
June '07 35
July '08 40
(Percent of U.S. households with any video game console)
The Homefront Study
Released four times a year, Odyssey's Homefront Study provides a
snapshot of household ownership and usage of various home media products
and services, including PCs, online services, and video game consoles. Each
study consists of representative, national surveys of more than 1,500
consumers and households.
About Odyssey
Founded in 1993, Odyssey is an independent market research firm focused
exclusively on understanding consumers' attitudes and behaviors with regard
to home and personal entertainment, information, communication, and
commerce. Odyssey delivers representative consumer research that informs
innovative demand-side strategies, and works with a handful of clients on
their customer acquisition strategy, pricing, targeting, product
configuration and brand positioning. Over the past fifteen years, Odyssey
has developed a vast body of knowledge about the attitudes and behaviors of
U.S. consumers specifically with regard to home media products and
services.
Companies interested in purchasing Odyssey research may reach the
company at 800-742-1792 or via e-mail at homefront@odysseylp.com.
SOURCE Odyssey
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CONTACT:
Spencer Dornin, +1-415-551-6558, for Odyssey
