Usability and Games: Appeal broadens to Women and Older People, suggests Survey

A new survey finds that adult women now make up a larger percentage of the gaming population than boys aged 6 to 17. The other interesting finding from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is that the percentage of gamers over 50 is growing.

The study, conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, offers evidence that gamers are fast becoming an increasingly diverse group, with women and players over 50 making up a larger percentage of gamers than ever before.

According to the data, which is based on research in the USA:
* 17% of game players are over age 50, up from 13% in 2000.
* Women aged 18 and older now make up 26%.
* Boys aged 6 to 17 represent 21% of gamers, while men aged 18 and over represent the largest group of gamers at 38%.
* Girls between the ages of 6 to 17 make up 12% of all gamers.
* The average age of game players is now 29 years old.

The poll also found that computer and video games are a staple of Americans' entertainment diet, with the average player spending approximately 6.5 hours a week playing games. They also play a wide variety of games, with 29% saying they play three or more genres of computer and video games. Boys ages 6 to 17, a group, the study notes, that is often incorrectly characterised as playing games to an excess, spend an average of 7.3 hours per week, or just over an hour a day, playing games.

The ESA poll involved a random national sample of 806 adults. The ESA is the US association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet.

A pdf report called "Essential Facts about the Computer and Video Game Industry" by the Interactive Digital Software Association is available free on the ESA website. It is not as up to date as this latest survey, but contains more detail, for instance, how many under-18s shop for games with their parents.

Associated Link: The ESA website

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