Tuesday, February 3, 2026

ESA report reveals the common gamer is 41 – and almost half are ladies

The takeaway: The previous stereotype that video games are largely for youthful individuals – and males – has as soon as once more been proved outdated. The Leisure Software program Affiliation’s (ESA) newest survey reveals that the common age of respondents is 41, and the break up between women and men is sort of 50/50.

The ESA’s newest Energy of Play survey concerned 24,216 contributors from 21 international locations throughout six continents. It covers a number of classes, from gamer demographics to explanation why individuals play video games.

One of many highlighted findings is that the common age of respondents – all of whom have been aged 16 and over on the time – is 41. Furthermore, the gender break up is 51% males and 48% ladies.

As for the respondents’ high causes for enjoying video games, the obvious one, to have enjoyable, is the most typical, named by 66% of respondents. In second place is stress aid/leisure at 58%, which one presumes comes from these enjoying the likes of Anno 1800 relatively than Elden Ring. Lastly, preserving minds sharp and exercising brains was the third most typical motive named (45%).

One other part of the survey seems to be at the advantages that enjoying video games can carry. Most individuals (81%) mentioned that they supply psychological stimulation, and 80% mentioned they supply stress aid. Different solutions included offering an outlet for on a regular basis challenges (72%), introducing individuals to new associates and relationships (71%), decreasing anxiousness (70%), and serving to individuals really feel much less remoted or lonely by connecting them to others (64%).

It is famous that amongst avid gamers aged 16 to 35, 67% mentioned they’ve met an in depth pal or accomplice via gaming. And nearly half of US respondents mentioned video games enhance their parent-child relationship – a distinction to the long-held declare that kids typically develop distant from their dad and mom as a consequence of enjoying video games.

There are some fascinating solutions within the class of what abilities video games can enhance. Round three-quarters of respondents agree that creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork/collaboration can all be improved by gaming. Greater than half mentioned video games improved their real-world athletic abilities, and plenty of mentioned video games improved or influenced their schooling or profession path.

Unsurprisingly, cell gadgets are the most well-liked gaming platform throughout all demographics, which can seemingly carry debate over the definition of “gamer.” Fifty-five % of respondents mentioned it was their favourite means of enjoying video games. It is particularly well-liked amongst these over 50 (61% on this age group mentioned they play on cell), whereas half of these beneath 35 mentioned they recreation on these gadgets. In the meantime, consoles and PCs are each performed by 21% of contributors.

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