Gaming by the Numbers Presented for InfoPeople by Beth Gallaway CLA Conference, Sacramento CA...

Gaming by the Numbers

Presented for InfoPeopleby Beth Gallaway CLA Conference, Sacramento CANovember 2007

What is a Game?

GAME: activity engaged in for diversion or amusement; synonym: see FUN

VIDEO GAME: an electronic game played by means of images on a video screen and often emphasizing fast action

Merriam-Webster Online. http://www.m-w.com

Console Gaming Devices

Video Game Charts. http://www.vgcharts.org. October 6, 2007

Handheld Gaming Devices

Video Game Charts. http://www.vgcharts.org. October 6, 2007

Gaming is the medium of choice for the millennial generation

1. What is the average age of a gamer?

* Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts. http://www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.php

33

2. What % of teens report playing games online*?

* Pew Internet & American Life Project. Teens and Technology, July 2005.

81 %

3. What percent of people over 50 play games?*

* Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts. http://www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.php

24%24 %

4. What % of gamers are female?

* Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts. http://www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.php

38%

5. How much money did computer & video game sales gross in 2005?* $7.6 Billion

* Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts. http://www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.php

6. What % of gamers play on handhelds?

* Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts. http://www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.php

32 %

7. What percentage of games sold in 2005 were rated M?*

* Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts. http://www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.php

15%

8. X% fewer mistakes are made by laproscopic surgeons.*

37%

* James C. Rosser, Jr, MD; Paul J. Lynch, MD; Laurie Cuddihy, MD; Douglas A. Gentile, PhD; Jonathan Klonsky, MD; Ronald Merrell, MD. “The Impact of Video Games on Training Surgeons in the 21st Century.” Beth Israel Medical Center, Iowa State University. Arch Surg. 2007;142:181-186. . Accessed October 8, 2007.

9. Laproscopic surgery is completed X% faster by surgeons who play video games.*

* James C. Rosser, Jr, MD; Paul J. Lynch, MD; Laurie Cuddihy, MD; Douglas A. Gentile, PhD; Jonathan Klonsky, MD; Ronald Merrell, MD. “The Impact of Video Games on Training Surgeons in the 21st Century.” Beth Israel Medical Center, Iowa State University. Arch Surg. 2007;142:181-186. . Accessed October 8, 2007.

27%

10. What % of public libraries allow patrons to play computer games?*

*Nicholson, Scott. (2007). The Role of Gaming in Libraries: Taking the Pulse. July 2007. http://boardgameswithscott.com/pulse2007.pdf . Accessed October 8, 2007.

82%

11. What % of public libraries circulate video games?*

*Nicholson, Scott. (2007). The Role of Gaming in Libraries: Taking the Pulse. July 2007. http://boardgameswithscott.com/pulse2007.pdf . Accessed October 8, 2007.

30%

12. What % of public libraries host video game programs?*

*Nicholson, Scott. (2007). The Role of Gaming in Libraries: Taking the Pulse. July 2007. http://boardgameswithscott.com/pulse2007.pdf . Accessed October 8, 2007.

13%

Games are like books, they are just another format

How Can Libraries Serve Gamers?

Connect games with “traditional” materials Think like a gamer Become a strategy guide Research video game culture Support gaming Create game collections Host gaming programs Try some games!

Use Games in Reader's Advisory

INSTEAD OF: What authors do you like to read?

• What are the last 3 books you read(and enjoyed)?

• What did you like about them?

ASK: What movies do you like? What TV shows do you watch?

• What games do you play?

Think Like a Gamer

Everything is in BETA

Get a screen name

It's all about YOU

You can’t break it

Fail early, fail often

Be a Strategy Guide... ...Not a Level Boss!

Show, don’t tell.

Make it interactive.

Have a free-for-all.

Ask for a demo of expertise

Research Video Game Culture

Watch Red Vs. Blue. Read Penny Acade or PvP.

Skim gaming magazines.

Link to game & cheat code sites

Pay attention to gaming around you

Attend GLLS2008 Join the LibGaming Google group

Try GamesSet GamePenguin BaseballBejeweledChicktionaryBob the BlobNeopetsRunescapeDiner Dash

Snood

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