The Entertainment Software Association has released the 2008 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry, revealing demographic information about the contemporary gaming market.
Some of the study’s most interesting findings include that:
40% of US gamers are female
The average age of the gamer is now 35 years old
65% of American households play video games
38% of households contain a video game console
25% of gamers are over 50
33% of gamers are women over 18, while 17 year-old and younger boys represent only 18%
The study also focused on concerns about parents informing their children’s game consumption, stating that 94% of parents are present during kid’s game purchases while 64% believe that games are a positive part of their children’s lives. The study also concludes via NPD data that only 15% of games sold last year were rated “M” for mature by the ESRB.
"This new data underscores the fundamental principle that computer and video games are a mainstream entertainment form, which captures the imagination of every segment of our society," said ESA CEO Michael Gallagher. "No longer is there a stereotypical gamer.”
