'The' gamer doesn't exist

A survey of as many as 2895 Flemish gamers, conducted by the IBBT research group MICT (Ghent University) indicates that `the´ gamer doesn´t exist. In addition, the study offers an insight into the views of Flemish gamers in respect of a number of hot issues surrounding gaming.

From Pong (Atari), and NES, Xbox to Playstation 3 and Wii... games are no longer only for the game geek. For many young people gaming itself replaces the traditional media. Also on the economic front, the gaming industry is firmly in advance. But as in the past has been the case with TV as a mass medium, there is also a dark side to gaming: games would lead to antisocial or violent behaviour and they would work addictive and soul-destroying. An argument that is nevertheless refuted by increasing research.

Documents: Press release