Video games are now the world’s most popular form of entertainment, and who’s playing them has changed a lot over time. Early on, most gamers were young boys, and game developers focused on creating action-packed, often violent, games for them. While games like Ms. Pac-Man in the 1980s started to attract female players, the overall gaming audience has dramatically shifted over the past 55+ years.
The Entertainment Software Association reports that the typical gamer in 2025 will be 36 years old, and is likely to be female. The gaming community, once thought to be mostly male, is now much more representative of the overall U.S. population. While men still make up a slightly larger portion of gamers (around 52% compared to 47%), the gap is closing. Just 1% of respondents didn’t answer the gender question. Decades ago, the player base was heavily skewed towards men (about 70/30), but that’s no longer the case.
Women Have Become Major Players in the Gaming Industry
Data from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) reveals that 205 million Americans play video games. In 2024, they spent a total of $59.3 billion on gaming consoles, games, and accessories, representing a significant portion of the worldwide market. Interestingly, nearly 30% of gamers are over the age of 50, demonstrating that those who grew up with early home consoles still enjoy gaming. The study also showed a surprising trend in gender diversity, but found that only 9% of players identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Video games are a hugely popular form of entertainment in the United States, helping people relax and spend time with loved ones. A recent ESA survey shows that children continue to list games as their most desired gifts. Find out more here:
— Entertainment Software Association (@theESA) November 26, 2025
When it comes to gaming habits across different age groups, Boomers are most likely to play games to relax or fill free time, and also to keep their minds active. Gen Z, on the other hand, primarily plays games just for fun. Interestingly, half of women between 61 and 79 play video games weekly, which contributes to the surprisingly high average age of gamers – 36 years old. This shows that the idea of video games being just for children is outdated; the player base is much broader than many people realize.
A recent study by the Entertainment Software Association on who plays video games is both insightful and important. Understanding these numbers helps game creators focus on what different groups of people want, ensuring everyone feels included. The increasing number of female gamers is a real win for the industry, especially since this group was often ignored for a long time. What’s even better is that many women are also working in the gaming industry itself. For instance, Aya Kyogoku directed Animal Crossing: New Horizons, making her the first woman to lead a game’s development at Nintendo, and she’s just one of many inspiring women shaping the future of gaming.
We’re curious to hear your thoughts on how the video game audience is changing. Share your opinions in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-01-06 22:19