Gaming’s demographic reach: 36% of people ages 80 to 90 play video games | ESA
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Summary
The latest report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has found that 64% of the US population (around 205.1 million people) now play video games, with the average player being 36 years old.
The demographic spread of gamers is broad, with 36% of those in the Silent Generation (aged 80 to 90) now playing on a weekly basis.
-gaming is now a ubiquitous hobby, with Pierre-Louis, CEO of the ESA, stating that “two-thirds of Americans regularly play, it’s important to recognize that the nation’s most beloved form of entertainment also provides mental stimulation, stress relief and meaningful social connection that extends well beyond the moment of play”.
Psychologists have attributed the appeal of gaming to the sense of progression gamers get from levelling up and the “variable ratio reward” given through incentivisation mechanics like loot boxes.
The industry as a whole pulled in $21.2bn in the first quarter of 2023, a 4% increase on 2022, with mobile gaming continuing to drive the market.