Well, at least in America they are, according to a recent study.*
Still, I suspect that the rest of the world - you know, the forgotten
other 7.8 billion people living on this planet - aren't lagging too
far behind in the hobby.

Of course, any study run by the "Entertainment Software Association"
has to be taken with a grain of salt; of course an organization
representing the video game industry will always try to present the
best side of things. Still, I've not heard any competing evidence that
says they're wrong.


And right or wrong, who doesn't like them some factoids? Here are some
of the more interesting tidbits:


- 65% of Muricans play at least one hour of "video games" per week. Of
course, what sort of game they play - or on what sort of device -
isn't specified. But the lack of specifics is telling: does a
video-poker machine count?

- 32 years is the average age of a video game player (the median age
ion the USA is 39 years, just for comparison).

- According to the ESA, which runs the United States video game rating
system the ESRB, 78% of parents report that the make all or most of
the content decisions for their kids. I suspect a great deal of
naivety on the part of parents and the ESA though. They probably think
they're keeping their kids safe from porn too. ;-)

- 80% of gamers play with others (although that includes both online
and couch gaming)

- Mobile gaming dominates, with it being the most common platform (64%
of gamers use one for games). However, only 12% of gamers /only/ play
on mobile; more than half of gamers (58%) use multiple platforms.

- Consoles remain slightly more popular (54%) than PCs (45%). 10% of
gamers say they use VR headsets.

- $6.5 billion USD were spent on console devices in 2022; $47.5 on
console games.


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* read it here yourself https://www.theesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ESA_2023_Essential_Facts_FINAL_07092023.pdf

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