An annual study by the Casual Games Association (CGA) reports an increase of investments, breadth of offerings and a consumer shift towards casual games (both retail and online). The results, which were announced Tuesday (July 17, 2007) at the casual connect conference in Seattle, WA, go into further detail about the widening demographics and lists the most popular casual games of 2006.

Unsurprisingly, the study found that the demographic for casual game players is widening. Women make up the majority of paying players online, with men representing approximately half of the (much larger) pool of non-paying online players. No details were listed about the age breakdown.

The report suggests that the market has become much more …

What, you thought was the only big video game event this month? Sillihead.

The casual game industry is having its own gathering July 16-19, 2007, in Seattle, WA, put together bu the Casual Games Association (CGA).

Lest you think this is a casual affair, as the name might imply, there are some big hitters attending this year, including Peter Moore (Microsoft), Nolan Bushnell (Atari) and Steve Youngwood (MTVN/Viacom), who are giving keynote addresses. Other names – and companies – of note include …