• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, June 20, 2004

Middle Age Females Play More Games Online Than Teen Males

Nielsen//NetRatings, reports that last month more time was spent on online games than sport sites and news sites. More than 46 million, or nearly one in three online Americans, visited online game sites during May,2004.

"The diversity of online game offerings showcases the popularity of games in the U.S.," said Kaizad Gotla, Internet analyst, Nielsen//NetRatings. "Ranging from sites that offer original games to content sites that offer the latest information on popular console and PC games, the gaming industry's presence online is indisputable."

Most Popular Online Game Sites, May 2004 (U.S., Home and Work)

Brand or Channel	Time Per Person (hh:mm:ss)
1. Slingo	4:08:38
2. EA Online	2:29:40
3. MSN Games	2:04:26
4. AOL Games	1:51:51
5. jigzone.com	1:34:50

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, May 2004

Middle-aged women were the largest demographic group for online game sites. Fifteen percent of online gamers were women between the ages of 35 to 49, comprising a larger percentage than their male counterparts and teen males.

"Contrary to popular belief, the online games category is not dominated by males or by teens," continued Gotla. "Rather, the popularity of online games appeals to a broad demographic online, especially among middle-aged women."

Gender Demographic of Online Game Sites Visitors, May 2004 (U.S., Home and Work)

Ages	Male Unique Audience Composition (%)	Female Unique Audience Composition (%)
2 - 11	3.7%	3.5%
12 - 17	9	5.7
18 - 24	4.6	3.5
25 - 34	8.8	7.8
35 - 49	14.4	15.2
55 - 64	4.1	6
65+	2.4	2.7

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, May 2004

Overall, the gender make-up of the online game audience is nearly equal. Of the 46 million online game users in May, 51 percent were male while 49 percent were female. Kids made up seven percent of the audience, while teens made up 15 percent of online gamers.

Age Demographic of Online Game Sites Visitors, May 2004 (U.S., Home and Work)

	Unique Audience Composition (%)
Gender
Male	50.8%
Female	49.2
Age
2 - 11	7.2
12 - 17	14.7
18 - 24	8.1
25 - 34	16.6
35 - 49	29.6
55 - 64	10.1
65+	5.1

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, May 2004