News about online games

     A recent report says that middle-aged women are the largest single demographic playing online games.  These players favor games like FarmVille, which can be played in short burst, as opposed to games like World of Warcraft, which can consume hours at a stretch.  This has been the continuing challenge as game-creators have sought to broaden their appeal past teenage males.  Games for the general population must be engrossing enough to hold interest and bring players back, but must allow episodic play that fits into the interstices of busy adult lives.  These games are free for basic play, but "extras" cost either money or "points," which may be earned as rewards for various activities.  For marketers, these games offer opportunities for both product placement and for loyalty programs, generating a "currency" that customers appreciate and use.