As the Entertainment Software Association released a new survey revealing that 40% of all gamers are women, the organization's Michael Gallagher spent his E3 keynote discussing a new "golden age" of gaming - for both consumers and developers.
Gallagher's keynote at the Los Angeles Convention Center, as
covered by Kotaku, revealed his positive attitude on the state of the industry, despite apparent recent dissent in the ranks of ESA members.
In particular, Gallagher noted: "I believe we are entering the golden age of gaming, but we need to work together to make that entry a good one, and further weave entertainment software into the economic and social fabric of America."
The ESA president also commented pointedly: "Our industry has continued to grow and attract millions of new customers of all ages and from all backgrounds. Those who write and talk about our industry in narrow demographic terms are living in a different time."
In addition, the ESA's new survey of consumer demographics and usage behaviors debuted, revealing that 40% of all gamers are women, and that the average age of game players has risen to 35.
Among the survey's main findings:
- 65 percent of American households play computer and video games;
- 38 percent of American homes have a video game console;
- The average game player is 35 years old;
- One out of four gamers are over age 50;
- Women age 18 or older represent a significantly greater portion of the game-playing population (33 percent) than boys age 17 or younger (18 percent); and,
- 41 percent of Americans expect to purchase one or more games this year.
The new research also shows how involved parents are in the way their children buy, rent and play games:
- 94 percent of parents are present when games are purchased or rented;
- 88 percent of parents report always or sometimes monitoring the games their children play; and,
- 63 percent of parents believe games are a positive part of their children's lives.
"This new data underscores the fundamental principle that computer and video games are a mainstream entertainment form, which captures the imagination of every segment of our society," said the ESA's Gallagher. "No longer is there a stereotypical gamer. With deeper market penetration and the broadening of our audience base, video games have incorporated themselves into America's cultural and social fabric."
