Research shows 85% of players ditch casual games after the first day

20 October 2012
draw something header

Playnomics, an “audience management firm”, has released a report on user activity on social games indicating that if people aren’t paying for a game, they tend to lose interest rather quickly. The research revealed that from July to September, around 85 percent of new players in the US abandoned casual or free-to-play games after the first day. Of those who made it past the first 24 hours, 95 percent had given up by the end of the research period. This is known unofficially in the scientific community as “The Draw Something Effect” [citation needed].

The study also examined spending habits in the free-to-play model. For example, people were most likely to sink money into their games on Friday and Saturday – despite the fact that these days are when people spent the shortest time on average actually playing the games. Monday and Tuesday, on the other hand, showed the least expenditure but the most play time.

Good to know people are working hard then.

Source: GamesIndustry

Related articles

EA founder believes consoles will become a niche market

Sony views Wii U release as opportunity to enter casual market

Activision: Mobile devices to overtake Xbox 360 in next generation

Telltale: “iOS gamers willing to pay more than 99 cents”

Ethics of free-to-play game design are called into question

Party favourite SingStar may be going free-to-play

You have read 1 out of 5 free articles. Log in or register for unlimited access.
  1. Lycanthrope
    20.10.2012 at 08:41

    Surprise, surprise :p

Read now

The best gaming website in South Africa
MyGaming proudly displays the “FAIR” stamp of the Press Council of South Africa, indicating our commitment to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Print and online media which prescribes that our reportage is truthful, accurate and fair. Should you wish to lodge a complaint about our news coverage, please lodge a complaint on the Press Council’s website, www.presscouncil.org.za or email the complaint to [email protected] Contact the Press Council on 011 4843612.