The economy may still be wreaking havoc on the games industry, and sales were way down in October, but video games still are on the top of many shoppers' lists, according to a new poll conducted by KRC Research on behalf of the ESA. 42% of American adults plan to give or hope to receive a computer or video game this holiday season and that percentage is up nine points from 2007, representing the highest number since 2004.
"Computer and video games are topping holiday lists because they provide a superior entertainment value for the whole family," said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA. "With 68 percent of American households playing computer and video games, U.S. consumers value the creative and innovative products the entertainment software industry produces and are seeking them out for themselves and to give as gifts.”
The ESA also said that men and women tend to enjoy video games equally. 47% of respondents said that women are the intended gift recipient, which is a 31% increase from 2007. The social value of games is important as well, as 54% of those who play computer and video games plan to play with a friend or family member during the holiday season, ESA noted.
