Playing video games is war, and war never changes. That is, until now. Video gaming, in general, has been thought of as a predominantly male-dominated pastime.
However, according to an informative study published by the Entertainment Software Association (which you can read in its entirety here), that is not the case anymore.
Women Vs. Men In This Year’s ESA Study
The study states the following:
“Women age 18 or older represent a significantly greater portion of the game-playing population (36%) than boys age 18 or younger (17%).”
Essentially, the number of females gamers age 18 or older doubles the amount male gamers age 17 and under. Adult males still outnumber the total number of women playing video games, but not by much. The ESA study shows that 52% of the gaming population is male, while the other 48% is female. Also, men and women purchase games equally.
The data can be easily misinterpreted due to the fact that the ESA considers a “gamer” as any individual who plays games on a PC, gaming console, or mobile device. Some negative feedback has arisen related to the ESA’s definition of a gamer, particularly because most people don’t consider mobile gaming to be true “gaming”.
Why the Entertainment Software Association chose to group casual gaming alongside more substantial or “hardcore” forms has not been disclosed (probably to make the statistical gathering and interpretation of information easier). Regardless, the ESA likes to keep it simple, stating that anyone who plays games, no matter what platform, is a gamer.
…the stuff hardcore gamers are made of.
In any case, the study also states that the number of female gamers age 50 and older has increased by 32% from 2012 – 2013. The largest percentage of gamers, 39%, comes from people age 36 and older. In fact, the average age of a gamer is 31 years old.
An observation that can be inferred from data in the ESA study is the inaccuracy of the notion that gamers are nerdy, acne-ridden teenagers who sit on the couch all day, covered in Cheeto dust. Judging from statistics in the study, there is no longer a valid stereotype of gamers anymore (Note: stereotypes are never valid). Anybody can be a gamer. Your grandmother, your best friend’s parents, your boy/girlfriend, even that police officer that pulled you over for speeding, et cetera. The only game they play may be Candy Crush Saga, but they’re still technically gamers.
Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, had this to say about the matter:
“ Our industry has a remarkable upward trajectory. Computer and video games are a form of entertainment enjoyed by a diverse, worldwide consumer base that demonstrates immense energy and enthusiasm for games. With an exciting new generation of hardware, outstanding software, and unmatched creativity, technology, and content, our industry will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
What do you think about this information? Are you happy the gaming is now more accessible to every demographic? Does it irk you that “hardcore” gamers are grouped in with mobile gamers? Is mobile gaming even really gaming? Let us know in the comments section below. As always, stay tuned to GamerHeadlines.com for the latest in video game and technology news.
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