Some new research released today by BT shows that most console gamers would rather play games online than watch television, considering how bad U.K. T.V. is for the most part, I'm really not suprised. Young men in particular just don't relate to soap operas.

The research shows that rather than slouching on the sofa in front of the TV, watching programmes, over half of all the online console gamers questioned, would rather give up soap operas and comedies than their online games. And it's not just committed gamers who feel this way - approximately 77 per cent of 11-16 year olds would rather play computer games than traditional board games.

Online gaming adds a new dimension for both console and PC gamers alike. With the launch of online games such as Halo 2 or Killzone you can play against and talk to gamers from all over the world at the same time. Global rivalries are strong online, with a third of UK gamers (31 per cent) choosing the US as the nation they most like to beat online followed closely by the French (18 per cent) and Germans (11 per cent).

Online gamers see themselves as part of a community of like-minded individuals and are a very sociable bunch - 58 per cent like to play online against new people and 27 per cent prefer online gaming as they compete against real people whilst 50 per cent enjoy it as it brings people together. Moreover, 17 per cent of online gamers would find a world without online gaming almost impossible to live in.

BT took the opportunity to release an interesting give away for console owners wanting to get online.

BT is committed to driving uptake of online console gaming in the UK and offers broadband packages designed to enable consumers take their console online. This week, BT announced it is offering new subscribers to BT Yahoo! Broadband and BT Broadband the chance to claim a limited edition online gaming kit for their PlayStation® 2 or Xbox® video game system.

For more information go to www.btyahoo.com/onlinegaming or www.bt.com/onlinegaming.