Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has published the findings of its annual survey of 4,000 US households, which suggests that the percentage of US homes that own a dedicated video game console has slightly dipped for the first time in years.
The report, 2016 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry, claims that 48 percent of US households own a dedicated console – a number that stood at 51 percent between 2013 and 2015. On the other hand, 65 percent of US households own a device to play video games, which include smartphones, tablets and PCs.
Elsewhere in the report, we’re told that the average male player is 35 years old and that the average female player is 44 years old. Additionally, more than half of those who frequently play games are familiar with virtual reality, with 40 percent saying that they’re likely to purchase a VR headset within the next year.
Other key findings include (in ESA’s words):
- Fifty-four percent of the most frequent video game players report playing video games with others, demonstrating the social nature of game play;
- Women age 18 or older represent a significantly greater portion of the game-playing population (31 percent) than boys age 18 or younger (17 percent);
- The majority of parents (86 percent) are aware of the ESRB rating system. Among them, 97 percent believe the rating system is accurate;
- Thirty-six percent of the most frequent gamers play on their smartphones;
- Thirty-eight percent of the most frequent gamers play puzzle, card or board games most often;
- Consumers spent more than $23.5 billion on game content, hardware and accessories in 2015, compared to $22.4 billion in 2014.
For the full report, follow the source link.
