214 Million Americans Play Video Games, ESA Reports

214 million Americans play video games for at least an hour a week and 75% have at least one gamer in their household, according to the Entertainment Software Association. The annual video game industry report found that 70% of kids under 18--51.1 million--and 64% of people 18 and older--163.3 million--play games.

The report, based on survey data, also found that 65% of gamers play games with other people, primarily their in-person friends and significant others. A large portion of gamers over the age of 65 have been playing games for less than 10 years, 46% for men and 63% of women.

The average age of a gamer is between 35-44 years old. 73% of gamers reported having a console and 43% having a handheld system.

Other key information:

• 79% of gamers say games provide relaxation and stress relief
• 87% of male gamers ages 55-64 and 82% of female gamers ages 55-64 believe games provide mental stimulation
• There are about 46 million gamers with disabilities
• 61% play on a smartphone, 52% on a console, 49% on a person computer
• 45% of ESRB rated games are E, with 14% E10+, 28% T, and 13% M
• Most popular genres are casual, action, and shooters
• 40% of gamers have met someone through gaming they wouldn't have normally
• 55% of parents play video games with their children

The ESA's 2019 report said that over 164 million Americans played video games, showing an increase in popularity for gaming as a whole. Video games also just had its highest first-quarter U.S. sales in the industry's history earlier this year.