Generation M2

In a large scale, nationally representative survey, according to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, with 24/7 media access via phones, game devices and other entertainment media, kids, ages 8 to 18 devote (like in religious devotion!) an average of 7 hours 38 minutes per day engaged with this media. If you consider the fact that most kids multitask, the actually manage to pack 10 hours and 45 minutes, according to the study.

This is a very comprehensive study involving thousands of kids,. You can see the full text and charts HERE.

I investigated this after reading a front page article in today's New York Times called Children Awake? Then They're Probably Online.

Just as a side note, another study on the same subject, this time by an article in PC Dome Magazine, Hungary and the Budapest University of Technology of Economics, lists the following:

‘I like replaying
computer games because …’. Nine groups of possible reasons were given:
● It is interesting, thrilling, entertaining and relaxing (223).
● It offers new things to explore; one can find new details (117).
● There are more ways to complete the game; it varies in each replay (104).
● One can reach a higher score, get a better routine and achieve better performance (66).
Professional games and players’ motivations 123
● Does not like replaying games (53).
● One can try new strategies—active experimentation (38).
● It strongly depends on the game; only the very best games can be played over and over again (30).



This short paper about Perceptions of Player in Game Design, from the University of Tampere in Finland offers some insights in the relationship between designer and player. It could be useful to read it as you begin designing your game:-)