Convenience store chain 7-Eleven says that despite the country's economic slowdown, sales for prepaid game cards have doubled in the past year, prompting the company to double its selection of cards for MMOs, virtual worlds, downloadable console titles, and social network games.

7-Eleven attributes the increased sales to the popularity of titles like World of Warcraft and MapleStory, as well as the rise of social gaming, which it says casts a wider net for players and draws in a casual audience or more varied ages and backgrounds.

The chain now carries prepaid cards for 30 brands, the newest of which is for the Zynga Game Network, allowing players to buy the company's universal virtual currency (which can in tern be used to buy virtual goods) for free-to-play social games like FarmVille, FishVille, Mafia Wars, and YoVille.

"Electronics and videogames are still the number one request on teens’ holiday wish- lists," says 7-Eleven's Prepaid Cards category manager Brian Haynes. "With tighter budgets many are choosing more affordable online games. Virtual currency or points can go a long way to enhance these online games without much cost."

He continues, "Families are looking at ways to stretch their entertainment and holiday gift budgets. Prepaid game cards offer a very affordable option, and they’re fun for the whole family. Free-to-play games are more popular than ever in the U.S., and 7-Eleven can easily be players’ go-to place to pick up their favorite game cards."