Survey outlines social game play, spending habits

Surveys of the social gaming landscape are nothing new, but a new survey from Inside Networks shows just how addictive the games can be.

As reported by GamesBeat, the survey found over 90% of the 1,800 interviewed social game players check in on their games at least once a day. Of those, over two-thirds check in on their social gaming multiple times a day, suggesting a deep engagement with the content. Farmville was the most popular daily-check for social gamers, unsurprisingly, but games like Social City, Pet Society and Cafe World also drew high proportions of daily players.

The survey also has some interesting data on the so-called "whales" that spend the most money on social games. While only two percent of survey respondents copped to spending at least $25 on social gaming in a month, the vast majority of those big spenders focused their spending on a single game. This suggests that these players are developing an intense connection with their favorite social game, rather than with social gaming in general. Then again, 0.1% of respondents said they spent $25 or more a month on eight separate social games, proving there are at least a few profligate social gaming generalists out there.

Unsurprisingly, a majority of respondents said they play social games with friends, rather than co-workers, classmates or strangers.

Fact: Women who play online games have more sex

Yes, it's true, says a new survey by Harris Interactive for GameHouse. Women who play online games are not only a little older, a little happier but they're also making whoopie more often than those who don't play games. Hel-lo Mrs. Robinson.

"Maybe if we all watched a little less TV and played more games online, we'd all be having a little more sex," GameHouse Chief Gamer Matt Hulett says. "Joking aside, this survey matches up with our internal data that women are widely embracing online games with 63% of GameHouse players being women. It's nice to know that females who play online games are happy – both in their relationships and even in the bedroom."

OK, so if you take a closer look at the numbers in the infographic (below), only a small percentage of people in this group have sex more than your typical non-game playing woman. But even a slight change in amorous activities may be reason enough to start playing FarmVille or the umpteen other free online games.

The survey also says ladies who play games online have better relationships -- 64% are married or living with someone, 70% are happy with those relationships and about half of the respondants say playing games make them feel both happier and smarter.

As an added bonus, lady online gamers generally do not fit the sedentary, overweight gamer stereotype. In fact, they are just as physically active as someone who doesn't play online games. What kind of activity does that entail? Apparently, workouts both outside and inside the boudoir.

Check out more factoids from the survey in the infographic below.

women who play games online have more sex