Andre Yoskowitz
3 Jun 2009 23:09
According to new figures from the Entertainment Software Association, 68 percent of American households play video games, an increase of just over 3 percent from 2008.
The report, presented at the E3 Expo, also added that "home console ownership" moved to 42 percent.
Adult gamers have been playing video games for, on average, 12 years, which actually fell year-on-year from 13, suggesting there is an increasing amount of new gamers. The average age of gamers now stands at 35 years old.
"This is the new golden age of entertainment software. Our products are now being enjoyed by over two-thirds of Americans," added Michael Gallagher, CEO of the ESA. "As the findings of the 2009 Essential Facts illustrate, more and more Americans across all demographics are now embracing the interactive entertainment experience that computer and videogames provide."
In terms of parental controls, 77 percent of parents said they believed current controls were "useful" and 92 percent said they were with their kids while they played games.