That's the conclusion of a study of 1,500 video game enthusiasts conducted by Ziff Davis Media.
However, the Ziff Davis study also found that interest in High-Definition TV is gaining among what it calls, "core gamers." In that group, HDTV viewing rose to 18 percent, compared to just seven percent in 2004.
In its report, entitled "Digital Gaming in America," Ziff Davis notes that next-generation video game consoles will provide games with high-def images, which could further increase HDTV viewership in the category.
"The new high-definition capabilities promised
in next-gen home consoles has raised core gamers' expectations for high quality gaming," said John Davison, Vice President and Editorial Director of Ziff Davis Media
Game Group.
According to the study, 76.2 million people in the United States play video games, up from 67.5 million a year ago. Twenty-four percent reduced their TV viewing over the past year, with another 18 percent saying they expect to do in the next 12 months. Video gamers said they watched 16 hours per week in 2005, compared to 18 hours per week in 2004.
The Ziff Davis results will likely raise anxiety levels among TV executives who have expressed fears that new devices and technologies, such as the Internet and video gaming, will lead to a decrease in TV watching.
© TVPredictions.com
Phillip Swann is president and publisher of
TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and
broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The Chicago
Tribune, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be
reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at
703-505-3064.
And click TVPredictions.com to read
more news and features on TV technology.