Who Plays Video Games the Most?

Video Game Demographics - Who Plays Video Games the Most?

Video games have become an intrinsic part of our everyday lives. There are so many genres and types, and they’re all so accessible. You can play on almost any device – on your phone, on your tablet, on your TV. You can play alone or with friends, you can play offline or online, you can even watch other people play in real-time.

So, what kind of people are more likely to be gamers? The only way to answer is to examine current video game demographics.

But be warned – the results may surprise you.

Not so long ago, the image of a nerdy-looking teenager playing alone in front of the TV sprung to mind when video games were mentioned. That’s no longer the case. Nowadays, people with completely different social backgrounds contribute to the ever-increasing global gaming community. The following stats best illustrate this diversity.

Before we dive deep into the numbers, here’s a taste of what’s to come:

Astounding Stats About The Demographics of Video Games

· The gaming industry is expected to reach $180.1 billion in revenue by 2021

· There are more than 2.5 billion video gamers around the world

· The average gamer is 34 years old

· 70% of gamers are age 18 or older

· 60% of Americans play video games daily

· 45% of US gamers are women

· 70% of parents believe video games have a positive influence on their children’s lives

Gaming fever is spreading. Let’s see who’s already caught it!

Fascinating Facts About Gamers

First, we need to find out who the average gamer is.

1. There are more than 2.5 billion gamers around the world.

(Source: WePC)

Video games have taken the world by storm, and this is the number that proves it. That’s a third of the world’s population!

It’s mind-boggling how many people play video games!

2. 65% of American adults play video games daily.

(Source: ESA)

This is one of many astonishing stats gathered in the Entertainment Software Association’s Annual Report 2019.

The fact that 3 out of 5 people admit to playing on a daily basis, serves as a testament to the widespread video game culture within American society.

3. 64% of US households own a device that they use to play video games.

(Source: ESA, ESA)

Whether it’s a PlayStation, Xbox or a good ol’ PC – Americans have let video games into their homes.

Of course, people have their preferences. In 2019, 60% of gamers chose to play on a smartphone – the most common device. It’s followed by personal computer – 52% and dedicated game consoles with 49%.

4. There are 2 gamers in each game-playing household in the US.

(Source: ESA)

People prefer playing video games with others. It’s just more fun.

And it’s not necessary to play with people your age. There’s a second generation of gamers already coming of age – and it’s not unusual to find that parents and children share the same passion for video games.

After all:

5. The average gamer is 34 years old, owns a house and has children.

(Source: ESA)

Be honest, would you have guessed that 34 is the average age of gamers?

There is, however, a difference when it comes to men and women. The average female video game player is 36. The most active group among women are those between 18-35 – they make up 13% of the gaming community.

At the same time, the average male video game player is 34. The most active age group are boys under 18, representing 17% of all gamers.

The dissimilarities between the sexes are even more pronounced when talking about purchasing games.

6. Men are 3X more likely to purchase a game than women.

(Source: Earnest)

The reason lies in the way women think about gaming. Admittedly, there is an increase in the number of female players in recent years, but they still consider this to be just another way to spend their free time.

Only 6% of women identify as ‘gamers’, compared to 15% of men.

Guys love playing video games. It’s only natural for them to purchase more games.

7. Smartphones and smartwatches are expected to own 34% of the gaming market by the end of 2019.

(Source: WePC)

As mobile devices get more powerful, they’re expected to turn the industry on its head. Recent statistics about mobile games already show this to be true – also judging by how  video game demographics have changed as well.

Who Plays Video Games the Most?

We’ve traced the contours of the average gamer. Now let’s color it in with some details.

8. 72% of gamers are 18 or older.

(Source: Statista)

Furthermore, the group aged 18-35 apparently plays the most, considering 29% of gamers belong there.

It’s amazing to see how many adults over 35 actually play video games. 43% of gamers in 2018 fell in that group. 20% of the overall number were between 36-49 while 23% were 50 or older.

9. 45% of US gamers are women.

(Source: Statista)

The percentage of female gamers in 2018 shows a marked increase from the previous year when it was at 42%.

However, the best year for gender-equality in the gaming world was 2014, when 48% of US gamers were women.

Still, the general trend is for this number to rise. Back in 2006, only 38% of gamers were female.

10. 70% of parents say video games have a positive influence on their child’s life.

(Source: ESA)

How things change, right? I still remember my mom yelling at me: “Stop with the games and get back to your homework!”

Still, parents are careful about the games’ content and how long kids play. In 2020 they can even use antivirus software to control what their kids do on their devices. 72% of parents limit their child’s time playing games. 94% explicitly confirm they pay attention to the video games their children play. On top of that, 90% of parents are present when their son or daughter is getting a new video game.

11. 67% of parents play video games with their child at least once a week.

(Source: ESA)

As I already mentioned, the first generation of video gamers are parents now. That doesn’t mean they’ve given up on games.

But why are people gaming with their kids? Here are the top reported reasons:

1. “It’s fun for all of us.“

2. “My child asks me to.“

3. “It’s a good opportunity to socialize with my child.“

4. “I enjoy playing video games as much as my child.“

5. “It helps me monitor what they’re playing.“

What’s your reason? (Assuming you’re a parent, that is.)

12. 56% of the most frequent gamers play multiplayer games.

(Source: ESA)

They play in multiplayer at least once a week. And they spend an average of 7 hours playing with others online – an hour more than playing in person. So who are these “others” to them?

42% of frequent gamers play with friends, 19% play with family, 17% play with parents, and 16% play with their spouse.

As 55% of gamers point out – video games help connect them with their friends.

13. 35% of multiplayer gamers prefer shooter games.

(Source: ESA)

Second are action games with 28%, followed by casual with 27%.

We’ve all had one of those days when we wanted to shoot someone with a big gun. If it’s your friend, that’s even better.