Game On! New Data From GSN Digital Shows Games Boost Productivity and Creativity at Work


WALTHAM, MA--(Marketwire - Jun 27, 2011) - GSN Digital, the interactive division of GSN (Game Show Network), today revealed the results of a survey of nearly 800 GSN.com players examining casual and social online gaming at work and its impact on productivity, energy and creativity in the workplace. The survey revealed:

  • Nearly 80 percent of respondents who play online games during the work day feel more focused on work as a result of periodic mental breaks associated with game play.

  • The majority (59 percent) of those who play games at work play for just 30 minutes or less. These respondents reported that taking just a few minutes off from work to play games helps them refocus, increases creativity and calms them down during stressful situations.

  • Puzzle/strategy games are the preferred genre played at work (by 60 percent of gamers), followed by card (48 percent) and word (45 percent) games, while those who play on Facebook enjoy GSN's Wheel of Fortune (30 percent).

  • 35 percent of respondents play online games during working hours. Of these respondents, the majority (53 percent) plays only during lunch or other official breaks.

"It's encouraging to see that our players turn to GSN.com as a way to de-stress and take a quick break during work," said Peter Blacklow, executive vice president, GSN Digital. "We're thrilled to offer game lovers fast-paced and competitive games that can be enjoyed in quick spurts for creative inspiration."

Survey Methodology
Survey respondents represent a wide cross-section of the workforce. More than half of respondents (51 percent) are employed full-time, with 28 percent self-employed. Further, almost half (49 percent) are employed outside of the home while some 31 percent work from a home office. The top three industries represented include education (9 percent), retail/wholesale trade (9 percent) and healthcare/medical (8 percent). The survey was conducted online by GSN.com in May 2011.

About GSN
GSN is a multimedia entertainment company that offers original and classic game programming and competitive entertainment via its 75-million subscriber television network and online game sites. GSN's cross-platform content gives game lovers the opportunity to win cash and prizes, whether through GSN's popular TV game shows or through GSN Digital's free casual games, cash competitions and social games. GSN is distributed throughout the U.S., Caribbean and Canada by all major cable operators, satellite providers and telcos. GSN and its subsidiary, WorldWinner.com, Inc., are owned by DIRECTV and Sony Pictures Entertainment. For further information, visit GSN at www.gsn.com.

Contact Information:

Contact Information:

Christina Feeney
SHIFT Communications
617-779-1805
cfeeney@shiftcomm.com

Cindy Johnson
GSN Digital
781-250-8797
cjohnson@gsn.com