More U.S. consumers are playing videogames now than ever before, even as game consoles are losing their market dominance to online and mobile gaming solutions, according to international research firm Parks Associates.

"The increase in the number of gamers is impressive because it crosses almost all demographics," said Pietro Macchiarella, Research Analyst, Parks Associates. "Most of this growth is due to increases in the casual gamer segments, with tablets and smartphones usurping PlayStation, Wii, and XBOX as popular gaming devices.”

Growth in traditionally "hardcore" gaming segments, such as MMORPG gamers, has stagnated for several years. Gaming is a social activity for casual gamers; however, most players prefer asynchronous multiplayer games as opposed to multiplayer games “where everyone plays at the same time.”"

These changes have significant implications for the gaming industry," Macchiarella said. "This new majority of casual gamers is looking for games with low investments required in terms of dollars and time necessary to learn the game."

From the article, "Number of Gamers Doubles in Three Years Thanks to Casual Gaming on Tablets and Smartphones"
 

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