Who is attracted to playing video games?

Many people are interested in playing video games but what do the statistics tell us about who these people are?  In 2022 a report was published entitled Essential Facts about the Video Game Industry in which it reported that around 215 million Americans which is roughly two thirds of all Americans, are playing video games on a regular basis.

Maybe this is not particularly surprising.  However, what is interesting to learn is that the large majority of these people are adults, meaning over 18 years old. And that’s not only because of the Ozwin casino bonus codes.

Most of us likely have the idea that video game playing is an activity of the very young; kids and teens but this turns out not to be the case.  According to the Entertainment Software Association based in Washington DC, the typical player of video games is actually 33 years old.

Stanley Pierre-Louis, the president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association said during an interview “The fact we’re seeing more people over 45 years old playing than under 18 just speaks to the growth and adoption of gameplay and how people even later in life continue to gravitate towards games. We found every demographic play games, whether it’s on PC, console or mobile device and there’s something for all tastes.”

So, you are considered a gamer no matter if you just like playing word games or if you enjoy playing something more exciting like Mobile legends.

Where do gamers enjoy playing games

There are many gaming platforms but some are more popular. According to the study 70% of those surveyed said they liked to use their smartphone to play.  Then came the video game console at 52%, a computer was at 43%, an iPad was 26% and lastly 7% was a virtual reality headset.    However, around 60% of those surveyed said they liked using many different devices.

The most popular of games are puzzles

Of all the genres, puzzles really stood out as the favorite. A lot of players, especially over the age of 65 said they played to exercise their brains.  But two thirds of men, 67%, said they played just for the fun of it whilst 70% of women played to have fun and just pass the time of day and others as a means of relaxation.

Pierre-Louis, points out that “Just as interesting, perhaps is the fact that 48% of players identify as female and 52% identify as male and so almost an equal gender split.”  Interesting because gaming is usually associated with men.

So, what is so appealing about playing

In the report, Essential Facts about the Video Game Industry, one of the issues was to learn why people like to play games.   One reason was that playing video games is a fun experience, said 93% of those surveyed, and at the same time mentally stimulating, 91% and 89% said it relieves stress.

Pierre-Louis remarked that “One area we were heartened to see is in the area of mental health.  Particularly with the isolation brought on by the pandemic, people connected through games and enjoyed shared experiences.”

He went on to say that “In 2020, 65% of people said they played together, which jumped to 77% in 2021 and now it’s at an incredible 83% who play together.  Games have become a great way to convene with people socially and to connect with family and friends as well as the global community.”

They also found that 77% of parents enjoyed playing video games together with their children.  Pierre Louis says “Our research confirms that video games contribute to positive mental wellbeing, help develop important life skills and offer connection and joy.  More broadly, 97% of Americans agree that video games have positive benefits.”

More diversity

In recent years we have seen the inclusion of much more diversity in games.  Pierre Louis says “What we’ve seen over the past few years is the encouragement of creating opportunities for people from underrepresented communities to add their voice to the community of gameplay and so you’re now seeing more games from different perspectives, sometimes along racial lines, gender lines, from the LGBTQ+ community and with those with physical limitations.”

E3 Expo taking place in 2023

The ESA hosts the E3 Expo and unfortunately it didn’t take place in 2022 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.  But this year, 2023 it will be taking place for sure.  Pierre-Louis says “We’re excited about coming back in 2023 with both a digital and an in-person event.  As much as we love these digital events and as much as they reach people and we want that global reach, we also know that there’s a really strong desire for people to convene – to be able to connect in person and see each other and talk about what makes games great.”

The key themes at last year’s digital-only E3 were diversity, equity and inclusion.  This included ESA’s $1 million partnership with Black Girls Code, the focus of which is to aid girls who want to pursue an interest in technology.  There was also a discussion concerning a Gerald A. Lawson Endowment Fund which was aimed at black and indigenous students interested in enrolling in undergraduate or graduate programs in computer science and game design.