More Americans play games than see movies in theaters, study shows

21 May 2009

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Posted by:Josh

A new NPD research study suggests that more people are playing videogames than going to the theaters to see the latest blockbuster film.

According to the study around 63% of Americans have played a game in the last six months compared to only 53% who went to see a movie in the same time period. Still, these are high numbers (over half go to the movies), but it’s very telling of how far the videogame industry has come when people are playing and buy videogames more than they are going to see the latest summer blockbuster.

The NPD’s Anita Frazier explains:

“Video games account for one-third of the average monthly consumer spending in the U.S. for core entertainment content, including music, video, and games,” she said. “While a portion of that share stems from the premium price of console games, we’re also seeing an overall increase in the number of people participating in gaming year-over-year.”

One reason why more people are playing videogames nowadays is apparently due to all the social networking “App” games that have flooded the Internets like Mafia Wars, Vampires and Mobsters. As 10% of consumers reported playing a game on a social networking site like Facebook or Myspace. Additionally, digital downloads are also on the rise with 5% reporting that they have downloaded a game or piece of DLC, which is 2% more than last year.

The findings were based on responses from over 11,000 participants taking part in NPD’s ongoing ‘Entertainment Trends in America’ study.

Via Yahoo. South Park image copyright Comedy Central.