Gaming by the Numbers Presented for InfoPeople by Beth Gallaway CLA Conference, Sacramento CA November 2007

What is a Game? GAME: activity engaged in for diversion or amusement; synonym: see FUN VIDEO GAME: an electronic game played by means of images on a video screen and often emphasizing fast action Merriam-Webster Online.

Console Gaming Devices Video Game Charts. October 6, 2007http://

Handheld Gaming Devices Video Game Charts. October 6, 2007

Gaming is the medium of choice for the millennial generation

1. What is the average age of a gamer? * Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts. 33

2. What % of teens report playing games online*? * Pew Internet & American Life Project. Teens and Technology, July %

3. What percent of people over 50 play games?* * Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts. 24%

4. What % of gamers are female? * Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts. 38%

5. How much money did computer & video game sales gross in 2005?* $7.6 Billion * Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts.

6. What % of gamers play on handhelds? * Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts %

7. What percentage of games sold in 2005 were rated M?* * Entertainment Software Association. Top 10 Facts. 15%

8. X% fewer mistakes are made by laproscopic surgeons.* 37% * James C. Rosser, Jr, MD; Paul J. Lynch, MD; Laurie Cuddihy, MD; Douglas A. Gentile, PhD; Jonathan Klonsky, MD; Ronald Merrell, MD. “The Impact of Video Games on Training Surgeons in the 21st Century.” Beth Israel Medical Center, Iowa State University. Arch Surg. 2007;142: Accessed October 8, 2007.

9. Laproscopic surgery is completed X% faster by surgeons who play video games.* * James C. Rosser, Jr, MD; Paul J. Lynch, MD; Laurie Cuddihy, MD; Douglas A. Gentile, PhD; Jonathan Klonsky, MD; Ronald Merrell, MD. “The Impact of Video Games on Training Surgeons in the 21st Century.” Beth Israel Medical Center, Iowa State University. Arch Surg. 2007;142: Accessed October 8, %

10. What % of public libraries allow patrons to play computer games?* *Nicholson, Scott. (2007). The Role of Gaming in Libraries: Taking the Pulse. July Accessed October 8, %

11. What % of public libraries circulate video games?* *Nicholson, Scott. (2007). The Role of Gaming in Libraries: Taking the Pulse. July Accessed October 8, %

12. What % of public libraries host video game programs?* *Nicholson, Scott. (2007). The Role of Gaming in Libraries: Taking the Pulse. July Accessed October 8, %

Games are like books, they are just another format

How Can Libraries Serve Gamers?  Connect games with “traditional” materials  Think like a gamer  Become a strategy guide  Research video game culture  Support gaming  Create game collections  Host gaming programs  Try some games!

Use Games in Reader's Advisory INSTEAD OF: What authors do you like to read? What are the last 3 books you read (and enjoyed)? What did you like about them? ASK: What movies do you like? What TV shows do you watch? What games do you play?

Think Like a Gamer Everything is in BETA Get a screen name It's all about YOU You can’t break it Fail early, fail often

Be a Strategy Guide......Not a Level Boss! Show, don’t tell. Make it interactive. Have a free-for-all. Ask for a demo of expertise

Research Video Game Culture  Watch Red Vs. Blue.Red Vs. Blue  Read Penny Acade or PvP.Penny Acade PvP Skim gaming magazines. Link to game & cheat code sites Pay attention to gaming around you Attend GLLS2008  Join the LibGaming Google group

Try Games Set Game Penguin Baseball Bejeweled Chicktionary Bob the Blob Neopets Runescape Diner Dash  Snood More at