In-game advertising network Double Fusion announced its acquisition of social and casual in-game advertising outlet NeoEdge Networks.

More U.S. consumers are playing videogames now than ever before, even as game consoles are losing their market dominance to online and mobile gaming solutions, according to international research firm Parks Associates.

A few days ago, a study investigating the levels of energy expended when playing video games indicated video gaming could become a part of recommended daily physical activity. Now, another study reveals that casual gaming could be an effective tool in the fight against obesity by helping dieters control their cravings.

Broadcaster and health campaigner Anne Diamond is working with researchers to test a theory that certain casual games may actually help weight loss and she's recruiting volunteers for a clinical trial to put the theory to the test.

Consumer analysts at Turner Investment Partners concluded that casual games are catching the eyes (and fingers) of women, baby boomers and even seniors, giving video games the potential to be "one of the few retailing success stories in what may be a lackluster holiday shopping season." The company fails to mention the real casual games from companies like PopCap and Bigfish Games, and instead touts several high-profile companies of which it just happens to own shares.

A new study by Research and Markets analyzes the emergence of Taiwan's online gaming market. It estimates the online games market in Taiwan, inclusive of MMORPG and casual games, will exceed $300 million in 2007. While MMORPGs continue to represent the largest segment in the market, casual games are growing at a faster pace.

Strategy First has signed the digital distribution rights for multiple casual games from Xing Interactive. Among the titles signed are The Dark Legions' which has sold over 100,000 units in retail alone, and Bubu Kong, which features franchise characters from the Super Nanat & the Alyssa series.

A survey conducted by Macrovision revealed a common misconception about the habits of people who play casual games. People who like mainstream games, such as Diner Dash and MahJong, frequently play more than nine, two or more hour ‘sessions’ each week, usually at night as opposed to during commute hours or other ‘quick break’ times during the day.