What it means to be a ‘whale’ — and why social gamers are just gamers

GamesBeat writes, "The 'whales' of the social-gaming world are a mystery to most of us. As the biggest spenders, they make up a tiny group (think about 2 percent of audiences) that drives most of the revenue for publishers of these games. But the word 'whale' isn’t a flattering term, and neither are the numbers associated with it. These are people, not just customers.

It’s easy to think of whales anonymously because we’re not quite sure who they are or how they think — they’re often elusive due to the stigma that surrounds them. We know they play social games, but are they social? Are their habits casual or obsessive? What kind of people are they?"

[JeffGrubb]

Zynga: "MAN THE HARPOONS!"

[SybaRat]

PETA has already condemned this.

[deantak]

Nice story.

[wita]

Thank you!

[Sadie2100]

It's crazy I never heard of some of these games, and people are spending hundreds of dollars on them!

[joab777]

This is why its coming to daed space and black ops. Maybe it isnt so bad. Most ppl hate it but if its a small percentage giving alot of money to these companies so they can fund more games, whats the harm. I know its a slippery slope and we a worry that games will cost $200 instead of $60 but i dont think developers are gonna do that yet...it would be suicide. Whale is the term they use in vegas to describe gamblers that spend a ton. Its funny how we use it for gamers now. I will admit that its a little dirty to prey on ppl that have spending problems, but u offer a product and ppl pay or they dont.

[darkronin229]

I can't imagine dropping hundreds of dollars on just one game, even if I did have the money (note: that's why I never really played MMOs before). These guys are hardcore.

[Tolkoto]

I must be a social gaming plankton.

[Hicken]

I think I'm an amoeba.

[idontgetit]

Fascinating read -- always wondered about this!

[Soldierone]

Just because you go waste 100 dollars on some casual game doesn't make you any different from other casual gamers.... You are just the reason why the rest of us are getting punished with fee's to play models..... thanks a lot....

[DarkBlood]

to be fair they were never anything like us, we cant exactly brush em off with a broom or anything

[Veneno]

A social gaming "Whale"? Kinda has sexual overtones to it. Somebody call Adam Sessler !!!!!!!!!!

[Heisenburger]

Did anybody else click here just to see what it means to be a ‘whale’?

:/