40% of gamers are women

Approximately 40 per cent of all gamers in the United States are women, according to a new survey released last week by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).

This one got missed in the whole E3 palaver, but another interesting point the survey makes is that the average age of game players has risen to 35.

"This new data underscores the fundamental principle that computer and video games are a mainstream entertainment form, which captures the imagination of every segment of our society," commented Michael D Gallagher, chief executive of the ESA.

"No longer is there a stereotypical gamer. With deeper market penetration and the broadening of our audience base, video games have incorporated themselves into America's cultural and social fabric."

The survey's main findings were:

• 65 per cent of American households play computer and video games
• 38 per cent of American homes have a video game console
• The average game player is 35 years old;
• One in four gamers are over the age of 50
• Women aged 18 or older representa significantly greater portion of the game-playing population (33 per cent) than boys aged 17 or younger (18 per cent)
• 41 per cent of Americans expect to purchase one or more games this year

Parents are apparently far more involved in the ways their children buy, rent and play games, with 94 per cent of parents being present when games are bought or rented.

88 per cent of parents said they always or sometimes monitored the games their children played, with 63 per cent claiming games are a positive part of their children's lives.

The survey, entitled 'The 2008 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry', also provided a number of interesting statistics about the top-selling games and genres of 2007.

Based on unit sales, 85 per cent of the games sold last year were rated 'Everyone (E)', 'Everyone 10+ (E10+)' or 'Teen (T)'.

Only 15 per cent of the games sold in 2007 were designated 'Mature (M)'.