Game Crazy Reveals Which Video Games Top Kids' Wish Lists This Holiday Season

Guitar Hero 5 and Wii Sports Resort Top Charts Across Age, Gender and Personality Type

• Press Release
• Source: Game Crazy
• On 9:00 am EDT, Tuesday October 27, 2009

WILSONVILLE, Ore., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Video games will continue to be one of the most sought after gifts this holiday season, according to a recent survey by specialty video game retailer, Game Crazy. The survey reveals that 86 percent of teens and tweens expect to ask for at least one video game this year. With video games hotter than ever across age and gender, the survey findings serve as a valuable resource in the quest for the perfect holiday gift.

In the third annual Game Crazy Holiday Gift Tracker, conducted by Weekly Reader Research, more than 1,000 teens and tweens were asked to reveal the video games they want most this season. "Action" and "music" emerged as the hot game categories for 2009, with the most-desired titles including Guitar Hero 5, Wii Sports Resort, New Super Mario Brothers and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. For an added twist, Game Crazy also looked at the most popular games based on personality type, ranging from "girly girl" to "all things sport" to "music addict," in an effort to guide parents.

Most-Wanted Games Across Age and Gender

Girls and boys are largely in agreement on the hottest games of the season, with musical phenomenon Guitar Hero 5 and the expansive sports action of Wii Sports Resort, leading the pack. The four most-wanted games overall are:

• Guitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 48 percent
• Wii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 44 percent
• New Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 41 percent
• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Rated E) - 33 percent

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun ... on Wuhu Island

What girl doesn't want to hang out at a beach resort? While both Guitar Hero 5 and New Super Mario Brothers are wildly popular choices, girls across all age groups want to get in on the resort-themed activities available with Wii Sports Resort.

Girls

• 8-10 Years-Old
  • Wii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 56 percent
  • New Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 49 percent
  • Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Rated E) - 44 percent
• 11-13 Years-Old
  • Guitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 53 percent
  • Wii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 52 percent
  • New Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 42 percent
• 14-17 Years-Old
  • Guitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 57 percent
  • Wii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 48 percent
  • New Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 48 percent

Boys are a Mixed Bag

More than 50 percent of boys said they often play games they know have an Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating above their age. This finding is reinforced by the list of games that boys want most. While the top games of the year are popular across age groups, a few titles with mature ratings performed favorably in certain age categories, including Call of Duty (46 percent) and Halo 3 ODST (39 percent).

Boys

• 8-10 Years-Old
  • Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Rated E) - 48 percent
  • New Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 47 percent
  • Guitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 47 percent
• 11-13 Years-Old
  • Guitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 42 percent
  • Call of Duty (Rated M) - 41 percent
  • Wii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 41 percent
• 14-17 Years-Old
  • Call of Duty (Rated M) - 46 percent
  • Guitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 45 percent
  • Halo 3 ODST (Rated M) - 39 percent

"As Game Crazy's survey indicates, it's not unusual for younger kids to want to play what the older kids are playing. Parents need to understand that not all video games are intended for younger players," explained Patricia Vance, president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which assigns age and content ratings for computer and video games. "The ESRB ratings provide guidance about content and age-appropriateness so parents can make sure the games their kids play are suitable for their age. And if a parent wants more information than what is on the package, they can search at ESRB.org and find a game's rating summary, which provides additional detail about game content."

Additionally, the expert staff at Game Crazy will demo games in-store for parents before a purchase is complete. The "try before you buy" option lets parents make the decision on whether or not the content is appropriate. Parents with an iPhone or iPod touch can also download the free Game Crazy video game app and search game ratings, browse detailed information on video games, watch game trailers, and receive new, used and trade-in pricing for games.

Personality Impacts Gaming Choices

Game preferences are largely dependent on the personality of the child. Still, without fail, the most-wanted games of the season reigned supreme across interest types.

• "Girly Girl" - Enjoys being indoors and loves fashion and all things pretty
  • Top game: Wii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 57 percent
• "Music Addict" - If they had their way they would never stop listening to their iPod
  • Top game: Guitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 57 percent
• "All Things Sports" - Loves all sports and if they're not playing one, they're watching a game
  • Top game: Wii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 54 percent
• "The Adventurer" - Loves to be outdoors, enjoying any new mystery or adventure
  • Top game: New Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 46 percent

Know Your Systems

Equally important is ensuring the game is for the right system. The 2009 survey reveals that 66 percent of kids plan to ask for a new video game system this holiday season. Game Crazy recommends when choosing a system, parents should consider the following:

• The most desired systems for the season are Nintendo DSi (24 percent), followed by PS3 and Wii both at 21 percent
• It's the ideal time to buy: all systems have dropped in price (ranging from $50 to $100) since last holiday season
• Parents can go in-store to view and demo the numerous systems available. To find the nearest Game Crazy store visit www.GameCrazy.com.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

The Game Crazy survey was conducted online August 20 - September 2, 2009, by Weekly Reader Research. 1,005 U.S. male and female participants, ages 8-17, were recruited from Weekly Reader Research's INSIDERS survey research community to participate. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence interval.

Respondents: 863 qualifying respondents (likely to ask for at least one video game this holiday season) composed of 450 boys and 413 girls aged 8-17 years-old

About Game Crazy

Game Crazy® (www.gamecrazy.com) is the nation's second largest specialty game retailer. Its stores provide customers with a vast selection of game titles, consoles and accessories; terrific value on new, used and trade-in games; and unmatched expertise. Headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon, Game Crazy is owned and operated by Movie Gallery, Inc, which is also the parent company for the Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video brands. Movie Gallery, Inc. is the second largest North American home entertainment specialty retailer.

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