The ESA’s 2014 Essential Facts about the computer and video game industry

Late last week, our friends the ESA in the US, released their latest research report, the 2014 Essential Facts about the Computer and Video Game industry.

Some of the key findings are:

• 56 percent of parents say video games are a positive part of their child’s life.
• 68 percent of families with children under 18 at home believe game play provides mental stimulation or education, and more than 50 percent believe games help them spend time together.
• 58 percent of parents whose children are gamers play games with their kids at least monthly, and among parents who play with their kids, 88 percent believe video games are fun for the entire family.
• Parents monitor their children’s game play. In fact, 95 percent of parents report paying attention to the content of the games their children play, and 91 percent are present when games are purchased or rented. Additionally, 88 percent of parents whose children play games believe the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) video game ratings are either very or somewhat helpful in choosing games for their children.

The 2014 Essential Facts also provides statistics on gamer demographics; the types of games played and the kinds of game platforms used; the top-selling video games; and other industry sales information. Notable findings include:

• 181.3 million Americans play video games:
• 51 percent of U.S. households own a game console, and those that do own an average of 2;
• The average game player is 31 years old, and 39 percent of game players – the largest age segment – are 36 or older;
• Gamers play on-the-go: 44 percent play on smartphones, and 33 percent play on wireless devices;
• Casual and social game play on mobile devices and online increased in popularity by 55 percent from 2012 to 2013; and
• Consumers spent more than $21 billion on game content, hardware, and accessories in 2013.