Gametraders has observed a significant spike in sales amongst those over 60 years in the Hidden Object gaming genre to increase mental acuity. “Gametraders noticed this trend mid last year and began to monitor it,” said Mr Rob Jenkins, National Marketing Manager Gametraders. “We were surprised at the number of older people coming in to our stores and discussing this particular gaming format with our owners and staff.

“When this age group of people have this discussion, with our staff, they often state the mental and health benefits they observe when they play,” he said. Jenkins finished saying “We have observed a 20% market from our stores with this type of gaming with this age group.”

Fact File: Hidden object gaming

A hidden object game (sometimes called hidden picture) is a genre of puzzle video game in which the player must find items from a list that are hidden within a picture. Hidden object games are a popular trend in casual gaming, and are comparatively inexpensive to buy. Time-limited trial versions of these games are usually available for download.

Publishers of hidden object games include Sandlot Games, Big Fish Games, Awem Studio, SpinTop Games, Codeminion and many more. Examples of hidden object game series include Dream Chronicles (PlayFirst), Mortimer Beckett (RealArcade/GameHouse), Hidden Expedition and Mystery Case Files (both by Big Fish Games).