A quantitative examination of the casual mobile game player in the context of age and gender

What is it about?

This study (N = 1,950) quantitatively examined the adolescent and young adult casual mobile game player from the perspectives of age and gender. Specifically, this investigation focused on technology ownership; preference for game genre and titles; where and how often games were played; what factors influence game selection, what game features were the most desirable, the rationale behind playing games, and psychophysical changes experienced as a result of playing; as well as, spending habits with regard to game purchases.

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Why is it important?

Mobile games are often portrayed as different from video games played on traditional gaming platforms. Mobile games are usually categorized as problem-solving or puzzle, with tile-matching to physics-based game mechanics. These games are also viewed as an unplanned activity, with players depicted as “casual” participants, playing to kill brief periods of time, while waiting, as a way to relax, or out of boredom. Mobile games are also believed to appeal to a much broader audience and, therefore, played by people of all ages. The findings supported many of the age and gender suppositions made about the casual player. Females played mobile games as much as males, and play time lasted for 30 minutes, almost equally in respect to age and gender. New discoveries were also found to include positive benefits stemming from mobile games, such as improved mood and feelings of well-being along with better mental attention and focus.

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