Older Women Rules Casual Games Market

[Atari]

"Middle-aged" women rule the $458 million U.S. online casual game market that features quick games that can be picked up and played for a few minutes or a few hours at a sitting. Gameworld has the story.

Self-help author and life coach Jennifer Louden, 43, was skeptical about the touted benefits of video games when RealNetworks hired her to help the mostly male company understand its customers. "I almost didn't answer them. I thought, 'Video games? Creepy," said Louden, who added that her view quickly changed after talking with the female gamers. "Women play for self care, in all different flavors and variations. They were so aware of what they were doing and why. They know what games to use for which situations," she said.