Music video games more popular than sports games

Got a game console? Chances are, you've used it to rock out.

As reported on Gamedaily, a study by market research firm Odyssey has revealed that the relatively new music video game genre is now the second most popular category, trailing only action games.

The study found that over 58% played music games like Activision's Guitar Hero and MTV's Rock Band, while only 50% reported playing the now third-place sports games, down from 55% in 2007.

Based on the current crop of music game releases, that disparity is only going to grow. In addition to strong sequels to both Rock Band and Guitar Hero, several new franchises have entered the fray, including Konami's Rock Revolution and Disney's Ultimate Band. Though used to setting trends rather than following them, Nintendo has even jumped aboard the virtual bandwagon with their surefire hit Wii Music.

WII MUSIC SCREENS

"We have seen an explosion in the music simulation category," said Odyssey's President Nick Donatiello. "The phenomenal success of the Rock Band and Guitar Hero franchises in the past year has reshaped the landscape of the console game market."

It's also reshaped the gender bias found in other game genres. The Odyssey survey found that 53% of music game players are female, a far cry from the predominantly male sports and action games categories.

Unsurprisingly, Odyssey also reports that over 40% of households now own a video game console -- the highest number since 2002.

More Stories

Previous: Microsoft patent promises to clean up online gaming
Next: Spot the difference: Baja vs. Baja

MORE ON YAHOO! GAMES:

SUPERHERO GAMES PLAY BLOOD TIES