New research by the US Entertainment Software Association shows that contrary to stereotype, 46% of video game players in the country are female. The survey over 4,000 Americans also found the demographic of players was diverse in terms of age and ethnicity. The largest group of gamers was aged between 18 and 34, representing 36% of all gamers. Hispanics made up 19% of all gamers in the US, with African Americans representing 11%. Income levels were also diverse, with 56% of gamers earning less than $50,000 a year. Average age of a gamer was 35 years old.
New Study Reveals Surprising Demographics of Video Game Players
Overview
A recent study conducted by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has revealed some interesting new findings about the demographics of video game players in the United States. The study surveyed over 4,000 Americans and found that video gaming is an incredibly diverse and inclusive pastime. The findings challenge many of the stereotypes associated with gaming and suggest that video games are enjoyed by a far broader range of people than was previously assumed.
Gender
The study found that almost half (46%) of all video game players in the United States are female. This is a significant increase from previous studies, which suggested that women represented only around 30% of the gaming population. The study also found that female gamers are more likely to play on mobile devices and are more likely to enjoy puzzle and strategy games than their male counterparts.
Age
Contrary to popular belief, video games are not just for teenagers. The study found that the average age of a video game player in the United States is 35 years old. In fact, the largest age group of gamers is 18-34 years old, representing over a third (36%) of all gamers.
Income
The study also found that video gaming is not just a hobby of the wealthy. In fact, gamers come from a wide range of income brackets. While the average income of a gamer is higher than the national average, 56% of gamers have an annual income of less than $50,000. This suggests that video gaming is an affordable form of entertainment for many Americans.
Race and Ethnicity
The study found that video gaming is enjoyed by people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. The majority of gamers in the United States are white (60%), but gamers from other racial and ethnic groups are also well-represented. Hispanic gamers represent 19% of all gamers, while African American gamers represent 11%.
Conclusion
The findings of the ESA study challenge many of the stereotypes associated with video gaming. Video gaming is not just for young men – it is a diverse and inclusive pastime enjoyed by people of all ages, genders, races, and income levels. These findings have important implications for video game developers and marketers, who may need to rethink their assumptions about their target audience.