While the console gaming segment dipped slightly in 2005, online gaming continues to expand, picking up both female and male fans. And the online user seems to be more enthusiastic than the average player. According to an American Online-Associated Press study, 16 percent of online gamers say they play 10 or more hours each week, compared to only six percent of non-online gamers.

The study also found that men often made friends while playing online, with one in four saying they formed relationships. (However, only one in seven women did so.)

"The findings continue to affirm that gaming is a social experience that hits all spectrums of consumers, males, females, young and old," said Ralph Rivera, general manager of AOL Games.

And although many online games are free, the AP-AOL study said that twice as many online gamers spent at least $500 on gaming during 2005 than did players who stayed offline (17 percent vs. seven percent).

The results are good news for the leading game manufacturers. Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony and all have announced plans to offer online gaming and turn their consoles into networks that offer a variety of services other than games such as fee-based downloadable movies and music. If the AOL-AP study is correct, the online gamers are a source of extra revenue.

Microsoft now offers an online gaming service on the Xbox. As of April 2006, the company says approximately 50 percent of the 3.2 million units now are connected. In addition, ABI Research estimates that game downloads on consoles, and PCs, will jump from less than $1 million in 2005 to nearly $4 billion by 2011.

Top 10 Video Game Sellers in 2005

1. Madden NFL 06, PS2, Electronic Arts

2 Pokemon Emerald, GBA, Nintendo of America

3. Gran Turismo 4, PS2, Sony Computer Ent.

4. Madden NFL 06, XBX, Electronic Arts

5. NCAA Football 06, PS2, Electronic Arts

6. Star Wars: Battlefront II, PS2, LucasArts

7. MVP Baseball 2005, PS2, Electronic Arts

8. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith,     PS2, LucasArts

9. NBA Live 06, PS2, Electronic Arts

10. Lego Star Wars, PS2, Eidos

Source: NPD Group