Video games in the United States

Games market of the United States by revenue per platform in 2015.

Video gaming in the United States is one of the fastest-growing entertainment industries in the country. According to a 2010 study released by the Entertainment Software Association, the computer and the video game industry added $4.9 billion to the economy of the United States.^[1] There are some^[which?] estimates that by 2015 the worldwide gaming industry will possibly reach $70.1 billion.^{[needs update][2]}

In statistics collected by The ESA for the year 2013, a reported 58% of Americans play video games and the average American household now owns at least one dedicated game console, PC or smartphone.^[3] The households that own these items play games most commonly on their Console or PC. 36% of U.S. gamers play on their smart phones.^[3] 43% of video game consumers believe games give them the most value for their money compared to other common forms of entertainment such as movies, or music.^[3] In 2011, the average American gamer spent an average of 13 hours per week playing video games.^[4] In 2013, almost half of Americans who were gaming more than they did in 2010 spent less time playing board games, watching TV, going to the movies, and watching movies at home.^[3] When Americans game, 62% do so with others online or in person, yet the other person is more likely to be a friend than a significant other or family member.^[3] The most common reason parents play video games with their children is as a fun family activity, or because they are asked to. 52% of parents believe video games are a positive part of their child's life, and 71% of parents with children under 18 see gaming as beneficial to mental stimulation or education.^[3]