Play casual games to stop smoking!!!
June 27th, 2008 Posted in Game IndustryA new survey commissioned by Real Networks show that playing casual games helps consumers kick bad habits like smoking and overeating, so get prepared to download our games and kick out those bad habits!!!
Survey: Playing Casual Games Online May Help Consumers Kick Bad Habits
Smokers, snackers report a decreased likelihood to engage in their
respective vices
SEATTLE, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Billboards, TV ads and other
campaigns seemingly bombard consumers throughout the year, calling out bad
habits and suggesting various methods by which to quit. With
smoking-related diseases claiming an estimated 430,700 American lives each
year (American Cancer Society), and an ongoing nationwide fixation on
weight-loss and obesity, consumers are beginning to ignore the fads and
turning to healthier habits as a method for relaxation, distraction and
stress-relief throughout their day.
A recent survey commissioned by RealGames(TM), the Games Division of
RealNetworks(R), Inc., suggests that casual games — played online by about
200 million each month according to the Casual Games Association — are
positively affecting consumer habits and lifestyle choices. The findings
are telling:
Survey highlights:
– Of the 2,784 survey respondents reportedly watching their weight, 59
percent agree playing casual games provides a positive distraction from
snacking and/or overeating, resulting in a reduced likeliness to
overindulge.
– Of the 1,324 survey respondents who reported being smokers, 42
percent agree playing casual games provides a positive distraction from
smoking, resulting in a reduced frequency of tobacco use.
– 28 percent of survey respondents who feel that playing casual games
distracts them from eating reported using game play as a means to reduce
their food intake.
– 42 percent of those who feel that playing casual games distracts
them from smoking reported using game play as a means to reduce their
smoking.
– Smokers typically play casual games on weekdays after work, before
they go to sleep or on the weekends. This is often the time when they may
have more freedom to take a smoke break (vs. while at work).
– Hidden picture games are the most popular among smokers. “Little
Shop of Treasures” and “Mysteryville” are favorites in this genre.
– Participants most commonly report feeling “relaxed and relieved of
stress” after a typical game break during their day. Casual games are the
healthier break!
Survey Methodology
This international research was conducted by Information Solutions
Group, http://www.infosolutionsgroup.com for RealNetworks. The results are
based on online surveys completed by 4,537 respondents randomly selected
between December 28, 2007 and January 11, 2008. With a sample of this size,
sampling error is reduced to plus or minus 1.4 percentage points at the 95
percent confidence level. This applies to all realarcade.com users age 18
and over. Smaller subgroups reflect larger margins of sampling error. Other
sources of
error, such as variations in the order of questions or the wording
within the questionnaire, may also contribute to different results.
To try out Real’s catalog of fun, family-friendly casual games or to
purchase them online, please visit http://www.RealArcade.com or
http://www.GameHouse.com.
ABOUT REALNETWORKS
RealNetworks, Inc. is providing ways for consumers to be entertained on
any screen (PC, home entertainment system, portable device or mobile phone)
anywhere. Its digital entertainment services include RealPlayer(R), the
acclaimed Rhapsody(R) music service, one of the largest Casual Games
destinations RealArcade(R), and a variety of mobile entertainment services
offered to consumers by leading wireless carriers around the world.
RealNetworks’ corporate information is located at
http://www.realnetworks.com/company.
RealNetworks, GameHouse, RealArcade, Rhapsody, RealPlayer and the Real
logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. or its
subsidiaries. All other trademarks, names of actual companies and products
mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.