What does the audience of gamers in the USA look like? ESA Research
Almost two—thirds of the population of the United States are gamers. And most of them are adults who are 35 to 44 years old. Such data was shared by the Association of Software and Game Manufacturers (ESA) in a recent report on the audience of video games in America.
Who plays games in the USA?
The most active playing audience of the States is people from 18 to 34 years old. They account for 38% of gamers. The second largest cohort is people aged 35 to 54. They have 26% of all players behind them. In general, the age of the average American gamer fits into the framework of 35-44 years.
The age of gamers in the USA
Games for the USA as entertainment is universal.
Of the 328.2 million population of the country, 214.4 million are gamers. According to ESA estimates, 75% of Americans have at least one person in their family who spends time playing video games. The proportion of men among the players prevails. They account for 59% of the gaming audience.
Who are they playing with and why do they value gaming?
Most Americans spend time playing video games with someone. The most popular answer is with friends. 42% of respondents answered this way. The second most popular answer is 27% — with a husband/wife/partner.
Who are American gamers playing with?
What is meant by playing together, ESA does not specify.
However, she separately points out that adult players spend an average of 6.6 hours a week playing with someone online, and another 4.3 hours playing with someone while being physically nearby.
Most gamers believe that games have a positive impact on their lives:
- 80% said that games stimulate their mind;
- 79% noted that games allow you to relax and relieve stress;
- 63% said they help them solve problems;
- 55% said that games help them stay in touch with friends;
- 50% said that games help them spend time with their family.
What are they playing on and what are they playing at?
The prevalence of game consoles in the United States is not a secret. And indeed, 73% of American gamers have a game console. Something else is more interesting. 29% of respondents noted that they have a VR device. In fairness, ESA immediately writes that 25% of respondents noted that they have a mobile VR device.
The most popular gaming device among American players is a smartphone. 61% play with it. Surprisingly, there is not much difference in the proportion of gamers playing on consoles and playing on PC. In the first case, we are talking about 52% of the players, and in the second — about 49%.
The most popular genre in the USA is casual games. 71% of respondents spend time in them. Militants are in second place — with 53%. Shooters are coming with a minimum margin. They were noted by 48% of respondents.
When do they play?
The most popular answer is after school and work. But, in fact, there are more popular options. Let’s mark them all in a list format:
- 51% of respondents play after school and work;
- 30% of respondents play while waiting for a meeting;
- 26% play during school breaks/breaks at work;
- 16% play while they are going somewhere.
From the unexpected data collected by ESA — gaming experience in years. In other words, how experienced are US gamers. Most of the audience has been addicted to games for a long time. More than a third answered that they have been playing for more than 15 years.
Gaming experience of American gamers in years
By the way, despite the high prevalence of games, most American adults try to limit the time spent by their children for this entertainment.
At least 48% of parents stated this.
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Also in the report submitted by ESA there is a breakdown by age and gender groups about their preferences. We offer you to get acquainted with it already in the original. You can download it here.
About the methodology
The market assessment is based on a survey of 4,000 Americans.
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