Online gaming up in the US
by Eliah Hecht 
Jul 12th 2009 at 6:00PM
Our economy may still be pretty much in the gutter, but one industry is still going strong. If you glanced at what site you were reading this on and guessed "online gaming," congrats! You win a gold star. Here you go: ★.
Anyway, according to this industry report featured on GameSpot, online gaming overall (including MMOs, in turn including WoW) was up 22% year-over-year in May 2009. 87.1 million people were estimated to game online in the USA, an impressive 28% of our estimated total population.
Of course, a huge chunk of this is browser-based games (think Bejeweled or Yahoo! Games). WoW is apparently the 21st most popular "online locale," clocking in at 2.2 million US visitors. Still, I'd say 21st isn't bad for a game with a subscription fee; 2.2 million players at $15 a month is $33 million a month (assuming the each have exactly one account). The next-closest MMO, according to this report, is RuneScape, at 202,000 players. Really? Aren't there other MMOs with more than that?
Anyway, online gaming, like online everything else, is on the rise. Single-player, localized games are starting to feel positively quaint, although I still think Chrono Trigger is the best computer RPG of all time.
Filed under: Ranking, News items
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
J38 Jul 12th 2009 6:06PM
What else are all the unemployed people going to do now?
Blistter Jul 13th 2009 10:57AM
Honestly! On-line gaming is much cheaper than some other forms of entertainment.
sqrly Jul 13th 2009 2:00PM
These 1st two posts point out the so very obvious. I think this story could have been one word under the headline "DOH!"
Dan Jul 12th 2009 6:09PM
" although I still think Chrono Trigger is the best computer RPG of all time."
lolwut? Computer RPG?
Arashikou Jul 12th 2009 6:16PM
"Computer RPG" (CRPG) in this case being used to distinguish from other, non-computerized RPGs, such as the more venerable Pen-and-Paper RPGs. (like Dungeons & Dragons, TMNT, etc.)
Not being used in the other sense of its meaning, as being used to distinguish between different types of CRPG, such as Personal Computer RPGs and Console RPGs.
Dan Jul 12th 2009 6:26PM
Ah, I see. It's just that I have never seen anyone define an RPG as a "Computer RPG".
You learn something everyday.
MasterAsh Jul 12th 2009 6:24PM
Of course online gaming's going up in the economy. . .
What else would an unemployed person do each day after filling out some applications?
InsaneAssault Jul 12th 2009 6:26PM
My coworkers and I always joke that playing an MMO like WoW is a cheap way of entertaining ourselves these days in light of the economy. 15 bucks a month instead of going out (movies, eating out, etc)
snarkygoldfish Jul 13th 2009 1:08AM
Joking, maybe -- but it's the truth!
I work freelance and money is too tight to really justify going out to the movies/dinner on the weekends the way I used to. I've cut back on a lot of things, but even right now, $15 a month for something I get enjoyment out of is doable.
$50+ for a new console game each month or around the same where I live for the aforementioned dinner/movies...notsomuch.
Almoderate Jul 13th 2009 10:55AM
Very true.
Console games are going to cost you roughly $50/each for a game that doesn't really evolve. Then consider that you'll pay $300-$600 every few years for a new console. But that's just gaming.
A trip to the movies will set you back at least $8/person (excluding matinee) for 2-4 hours of entertainment. Then work in the cost of gas and food/drinks. For two people, you can spend well over $30 for one trip.
Of course, there are more active things you can be doing (and doing cheaply), but as far as indoor entertainment is concerned, $15/month with a $40 expansion every few years to play on equipment I would have already is getting off WAY cheap.
Dreadskull Jul 12th 2009 6:31PM
Online games = fun diversions that help alleviate stress and help people worry less about their current troubles.
Taedran Jul 12th 2009 6:31PM
Chrono Trigger FTW!
McBurnsie Jul 12th 2009 7:16PM
Baldur's gate ftw :)
Slog Jul 12th 2009 8:12PM
^ this.
Icewind Dale, BG1 and 2, and I will even include NWN.
Forgotten Realms FTW.
Ovplain Jul 13th 2009 7:20AM
Fallout 1/2 = best cRPG ov all time.
R.I.P. Fallout.=(
jealouspirate Jul 12th 2009 7:09PM
All those browser based games are still single-player games, you just happen to need an internet connection to play them. I don't think they should really count.
Also, I'm glad to see the Chrono Trigger love. Still an amazing game after all these years.
danawhitaker Jul 12th 2009 10:57PM
Actually, not all browser-based games are single-player. I split my game time between WoW and Pogo (which I pay $40 a year for). Many of those are browser-based games, but many of them are also multiplayer, and even the ones that aren't multiplayer have chat rooms attached so people can communicate while they "solo" play. I'm not saying it's exactly like an MMORPG, by any means, but it's definitely got more of that type of feel to it. There are ranks/levels and badges you can earn each week (and you can purchase extra badges and challenges). One of the main reasons I joined, in fact, was because of how it reminded me of a mmorpg with having ranks for each individual game.
I can completely understand why there's an increase in demand in this type of thing in a poor economy. It's cheap entertainment. Where else can you get unlimited gaming for $15/month or $40/year (in the case of Pogo)? Consoles require a more costly investment, and don't have the sheer unlimitedness to them that something like WoW does.
Tolkfan Jul 12th 2009 7:17PM
You sir are wrong. Planescape: Torment is the best cRPG.
Wats Jul 12th 2009 7:35PM
Im playing Chrono Trigger right now actually, just got Robo.
mysticalos Jul 12th 2009 7:52PM
Even blizz likes Chrono Trigger, look at kologarn and FL heh