FACT #52

As of 2016, the average age for a video game player is 31, a number slowly increasing as people who were children playing the first arcade, console and home computer games continue playing now on current systems. The gender distribution of gamers is reaching equilibrium, according to a 2016 study showing that 59% of gamers are male and 41% female; however, research has also shown that women are less likely to self-identify as gamers out of fear of stigmatization.As of 2011 ESA reported that 71% of people age six to forty-nine in the U.S. played video games, with 55% of gamers playing on their phones or mobile devices. The average age of players across the globe is mid to late 20s, and is increasing as older players grow in numbers.

One possible reason for the increase in players could be attributed to the growing number of genres that require less of a specific audience. For example, the Wii console has widened its audience with games such as Wii Sports and Wii Fit. Both require more activity from the user and provide more reasons to play including family competition or exercise. It could also be because people who played video games when they were young are now growing older and still have that interest in video games. Currently, the largest entertainment industry for children is gaming. According to a 2008 telephone survey with a sample size of 1,102 respondents, 97% of children living in the United States and between the ages of 12 and 17 play video games.

As displayed by the recent release of certain games,[specify] video game developers have started to create gaming content that appeals to alternative audiences, beyond those of "Player 1." The idea of "Player 1" refers to the stereotypical straight male gamer as the sole individual that video games are created for. On the other hand, "Player 2" may refer to populations of gamers who divert from this demographic, such as women or LGBTQ+ communities. Games designed to appeal to "Player 2" offer gamers an alternative gaming experience, thus allowing for the further demographic expansion of the video game subculture.