The gaming industry has experienced significant growth over the past few years, and one of the primary drivers of this growth is the diversity of the gaming demographic. The average age of gamers is now 35 years, with 46% of them being female. Mobile gaming has played a significant role in expanding the gaming demographic, as the number of mobile gamers worldwide is expected to reach 3 billion by 2023. Esports is another aspect that has increased the diversity of the gaming demographic, with its audience expected to surpass 453 million by the end of 2021. The gaming industry has responded to this diversity by creating more inclusive and diverse games.
The Demographics of Gaming: Who is Driving the Industry’s Growth?
Introduction
The gaming industry has witnessed significant growth over the past few years. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including the increasing popularity of esports, the emergence of mobile gaming, and the rise of gaming-related content on streaming platforms. However, one of the primary drivers of the industry’s growth is the diversity of the gaming demographic.
The Demographics of Gamers
Gone are the days when gaming was predominantly considered as a male hobby. Today, the demographic of gamers has expanded significantly. According to a report by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the average age of gamers is 35 years, and 46% of them are female. Furthermore, children and teenagers still represent a large segment of the gaming demographic. The same report suggests that the average age of gamers in the United States is 35 years, which is a significant increase from the 18 years average reported in 2000.
The Rise of Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming has played a significant role in expanding the gaming demographic. With smartphones being accessible to a broader audience and the development of more sophisticated mobile games, the number of mobile gamers worldwide is expected to reach 3 billion by 2023. Moreover, mobile gaming provides more accessible entry points into the gaming world, allowing people who may not have had access to consoles or PCs the chance to enjoy gaming.
Esports
Esports, the competitive form of gaming, is another aspect that has increased the diversity of the gaming demographic. According to a report by NewZoo, the esports audience is expected to surpass 453 million by the end of 2021. The report further suggests that this audience encompasses different cultures, age groups, and educational backgrounds.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
The diversity of the gaming demographic has brought significant changes to the gaming industry. Game developers are now creating games that cater to different audiences, including casual and hardcore gamers. Additionally, game developers are exploring new avenues to increase the inclusivity of their games, including the addition of female or non-binary protagonists, characters with disabilities, and characters that represent different cultures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the gaming demographic has significantly expanded in recent years. The industry’s growth can be attributed to the rise of mobile gaming, the increasing popularity of esports, and the industry’s efforts to be more inclusive. The diversity of the gaming demographic has brought positive changes to the industry, including the creation of more inclusive games and greater representation in gaming content. It is an exciting time for the gaming industry, and as the demographic continues to evolve, we can expect even more significant changes in the future.