Gaming by the Numbers

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Gaming by the Numbers

• Presented for InfoPeopleby Beth Gallaway CLA
  Conference, Sacramento CANovember 2007

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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. http//www.m-w.com
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Console Gaming Devices

• Video Game Charts. http//www.vgcharts.org.
  October 6, 2007

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Handheld Gaming Devices
Video Game Charts. http//www.vgcharts.org.
October 6, 2007
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Gaming is the medium of choice for the millennial
generation
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1. What is the average age of a gamer?
33
Entertainment Software Association. Top 10
Facts. http//www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.ph
p
7
2. What of teens report playing games online?
81
Pew Internet American Life Project. Teens and
Technology, July 2005.
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3. What percent of people over 50 play games?
24
24
Entertainment Software Association. Top 10
Facts. http//www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.ph
p
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4. What of gamers are female?
38
Entertainment Software Association. Top 10
Facts. http//www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.ph
p
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5. How much money did computer video game sales
gross in 2005?
7.6 Billion
Entertainment Software Association. Top 10
Facts. http//www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.ph
p
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6. What of gamers play on handhelds?
32
Entertainment Software Association. Top 10
Facts. http//www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.ph
p
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7. What percentage of games sold in 2005 were
rated M?
15
Entertainment Software Association. Top 10
Facts. http//www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.ph
p
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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. 2007142181-186. .
Accessed October 8, 2007.
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9. Laproscopic surgery is completed X faster
by surgeons who play video games.

• 27

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. 2007142181-186. .
Accessed October 8, 2007.
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10. What of public libraries allow patrons to
play computer games?

• 82

Nicholson, Scott. (2007). The Role of Gaming in
Libraries Taking the Pulse. July 2007.
http//boardgameswithscott.com/pulse2007.pdf .
Accessed October 8, 2007.
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11. What of public libraries circulate video
games?

• 30

Nicholson, Scott. (2007). The Role of Gaming in
Libraries Taking the Pulse. July 2007.
http//boardgameswithscott.com/pulse2007.pdf .
Accessed October 8, 2007.
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12. What of public libraries host video game
programs?

• 13

Nicholson, Scott. (2007). The Role of Gaming in
Libraries Taking the Pulse. July 2007.
http//boardgameswithscott.com/pulse2007.pdf .
Accessed October 8, 2007.
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Games are like books, they are just another format
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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!

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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?

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Think Like a Gamer

• Everything is in BETA
• Get a screen name
• It's all about YOU
• You cant break it
• Fail early, fail often

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Be a Strategy Guide... ...Not a Level Boss!

• Show, dont tell.
• Make it interactive.
• Have a free-for-all.
• Ask for a demo of expertise

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Research Video Game Culture

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

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Try Games

• Set Game
• Penguin Baseball
• Bejeweled
• Chicktionary
• Bob the Blob
• Neopets
• Runescape
• Diner Dash
• Snood
• More at http//del.icio.us/informationgoddess29/ga
  mes