Gamers Want Choice in the Next Generation

The Xbox 360 may be all that, but a new poll suggests gamers want to see what Sony has to offer before they put down their cash.

If you're sitting back watching the chaos surrounding the launch of the Xbox 360 with a sense of apathy, you're not alone. A recent study conducted by media analyst Nielsen shows that around half of all gamers polled are waiting until there is more choice in the next generation before they pick a camp.

In a poll of 2,000 active American gamers, Nielsen found that 50 per cent of responders were waiting for the PlayStation 3 to be released next year before picking a next-generation console.

Interestingly, when their console loyalty was questioned, Xbox owners came out as more likely to buy an Xbox 360 than PlayStation 2 owners were to buy a PlayStation 3. Results such as this, however, are likely skewed by the relative dearth of information available for the PlayStation 3 at the moment.

The study also showed encouraging data suggesting that the divide between men and women is closing - although this depends on what you consider a game.

While console gaming is still the realm of twentysomething males, women are playing simple online games just as much as men.

"Playing video games, once considered the domain of teen boys, has evolved into a medium that is now capable of reaching expanding demographics of gamers, including females, Hispanics and older players," said Nielsen's Michael Dowling.

"As games continue to increase its share of entertainment leisure time, it's quite possible playing video games will assume a significant role as a common cultural experience, in the way that movies and television do today."

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games