Gameology: Commentary and Resources for the Game Studies Community

In the Technology section of NewScientist.com, David Robson reports on a study by researchers at the University of Southern California, the Palo Alto Research Center and the University of Deleware that dispel some common assumptions about gamers. Here's a link to the article.

The article is short and the study focused on one MMO, Everquest II; however, it does offer some positive stats:

• "Adult gamers have an average body mass index of 25.2, compared to the overall American average of 28"



• "The average gamer also engages in vigorous exercise once or twice a week, which the researchers say is more than most Americans"



• "Although fewer women played the game, those who did typically played for longer than men"

The negative findings:

• "Gamers reported more cases of depression and substance abuse than their compatriots"

The article doesn't go into details about how the researchers qualify "substance abuse" and "depression," which does leave room for debate. However, I think this study is another example of how negative perceptions of video games and the people who play them are being challenged and proven incorrect. The article cites the study as being published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, vol 13, p 993, but neglects to add that it is in issue 4. After some digging, I was able to find the study here.

*Also seen on pauseponderplay.com

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