Survey: Average Social Gamer In U.S., Europe Is Under 30

A new survey from GamesIndustry.com and research firm TNS found that the average age of social gamers in the U.S. is 29, while in the UK, Germany and France the average social gamer is 27. This counters a recent study from Bejeweled maker PopCap that said the average social gamer is a 43-year-old female. "Their conclusion was based on a survey among only 18-plus year olds," said Peter Warman, managing director of Newzoo/Gamesindustry.com. He added, "It is therefore not at all surprising that their average age is extraordinarily high; it is clearly not a representative number. Data from kids and teens is vital and should always be taken into account." GamesIndustry.com's report surveyed 13,000 respondents ages eight and up. TNS and GamesIndustry.com also found that at least 29 percent of of people in the U.S. who play games on social networks are under 20. "This [under-20] age group represents an even larger share in key European markets: UK (31 percent), France (35 percent) and Germany (39 percent)," said a press release outlining the report. Only 8 percent of social gamers in the U.S. are over 50 years of age, while in Europe it's 4 percent. The study also found that social gamers are made up of 59 percent women, 41 percent men in the U.S. In Europe overall, the difference is slimmer, while in France specifically, 54 percent of social gamers are male. GamesIndustry.com said there are over 45 million social gamers in the U.S., with 25 percent saying their social network is "their primary gaming destination." Key European markets host 10 million social gamers total, with 10 percent using social networks as their primary gaming destinations.