| Gaming is popular with teenagers, women, | | | | consoles while online games are played on a |
| children, as well as men. Older people say they | | | | computer using either a broadband or dial up |
| play games as it alleviates loneliness and puts | | | | Internet connection. The growth in online gaming |
| them in contact with others. Statistics reveal that | | | | according to IDC, a research firm, is set to touch |
| 41% of gamers are women and more than 43 % | | | | 256 million users by 2008. And, that gaming is |
| gamers are aged 25-49. And, research predicts | | | | serious business is conformed by the hosting of |
| that the games market in 2005 will be US$ 29 | | | | international conferences devoted to gaming and |
| billion. | | | | the formation of "Casual Games Special Interest |
| Players can choose between stored games and | | | | Group. |
| online games. Stored games are played on | | | | |