New ESA Report Shows Gaming Is No Longer A Niche Market
Gaming has a profound impact on people’s lives by providing entertainment, joy, connection, and a sense of belonging.
You Are Reading :New ESA Report Shows Gaming Is No Longer A Niche Market
Recently, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) released its annual report, 2020 Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry, which confirmed not only that gaming is a booming business but also that it’s ceased to be a niche market.
Bolstered by the coronavirus lockdown, video games are no longer strictly the domain of young males. The report revealed that more than 214 million Americans play video games and 75% of Americans have at least one gamer in their household. Meanwhile, the average age of gamers is 35 to 44, and many players are past retirement age — 46% of men and 63% of women over 65 have been playing video games for ten years or less.
In terms of demographics, 64% of American adults, and 70% of Americans under 18 play video games regularly, with 38% of all gamers ranging in age from 18 to 34 and 21% under the age of 18. As for gender, 41% of all American gamers are women and 59% are men.
In addition, gaming is no longer perceived as a mindless distraction. 87% of male gamers ages 55 to 64 and 82% of female gamers ages 55 to 64 believe games provide mental stimulation. Games have been also shown to be a means of connecting socially with 65% of gamers playing with others. In fact, 30% of players report meeting a good friend, spouse, or significant other through gaming.
According to Pierre-Louis, President & Chief Executive Officer of ESA, it has become apparent that gaming has a profound impact on people’s lives by providing entertainment, joy, connection, and a sense of belonging – values that have never been more important than now while we’re self-isolating.
When it comes to systems, 73% of gamers in the United States report owning a console, 43% say they own a handheld system of some kind, 29% say they own a VR system, and 25% say they own a mobile VR device. Interestingly, the report shows that it is essential for gaming companies to promote consumer loyalty since many current gamers will be playing for decades to come.
Source: InvenGlobal
Link Source : https://www.thegamer.com/esa-gaming-niche-popular-die-mad-gamers/