ArcadeWeb recently surveyed consumers, with 53 percent of gamers polled saying that current economic conditions are changing their gaming habits, and 66 percent of those respondents noting that they now play more games due to the economy. Furthermore, 82 percent of overall respondents claim they have as many or more financial difficulties than they did two years ago.
“The online casual gamers we surveyed clearly indicate that a still-tough economy is having a significant impact on their current gaming behavior,” said Adriano Parrotta, VP, Social Games, ArcadeWeb.com. “Not only do they report playing more – which is great news for the industry – it seems to be fueling the momentum behind the hottest, fastest-growing gaming category, ‘freemium’ or free-to-play models.”
The survey also revealed that 68 percent of respondents never spend money on virtual currency, while 36 percent of male gamers and 30 percent of female users reported making virtual currency purchases. Despite a higher level of average income, 30 percent of those aged 55-64 purchased virtual items, compared to 34 percent of those aged 18-34.
“Because the virtual currency purchasing model is now so widespread at many huge, ‘free’ casual sites on Facebook and beyond, that spend should grow somewhat overall in 2012,” stated Parotta. “But our survey reveals a powerful resistance to pay-for-play models by casual gamers, and real traction for models that are ‘purely free,’ or even ‘beyond free’ – sites that offer users free games and a chance to win real rewards or money.”
58 percent of those surveyed said they were looking to reduce their online gaming spending, with a mere 7 percent saying they’d spend more. Clearly, while more players were willing to pay for virtual items, the economy makes them less willing to spend more.
