The ESA have released their annual research report into Video Games in the US marketplace. You can find the report here.
Key highlights are:
- More Americans than ever are playing video game on smartphones, tablets and handheld devices and changing the way consumers enjoy computer and video games.
- 33 percent of gamers said they play social games and 15 percent said they pay to play online games.
- 98 percent of parents feel the ESRB rating system is either very or somewhat helpful in choosing games for their children
- 73 percent of parents said they believe the parental controls available in all video game consoles are useful.
- 49% of U.S. households own a dedicated game console, and those that do own an average of two
- The average game player is 30 years old, and 37 percent of game players are older than 36.
- 42% of game players believe that computer and video games give them the most value for their money, compared to DVDs, music or going out to the movies.
- 62% of gamers play games with others, either in-person or online.
- Consumers spent nearly $25 billion on game content, hardware and accessories in 2011.