Online games drive targeted traffic to a web site and are one of the most popular tools for encouraging viral transmission.

Games on a web site capture attention and engage the user keeping visitors on the site longer and encouraging repeat visits. In addition the game can be designed to target particular customer profiles.

Games can be used to capture valuable visitor information, to track player choices and can be designed to promote brands and corporate identity, display advertising and marketing messages or even incorporate product and marketing themes into the game play itself.

Some industry facts:

38% of Internet users are online games players with a forecast of 43% by 2003 (JupiterStrategic Planning Services 2000)

75% of online game players have bought articles online within the last 6 months (game-research.com 2002)

72% of gamers are over 18 with 42% over 35 (IDSA Consumer Survey 2001)

49% of online game players are women (Forrester Research 2002)