U.S.: Video Game Player Demographics, by age group
Age groupShare of respondents,
in %
Under 18 years24
18-34 years36
35-44 years13
45-54 years12
55-64 years9
65+ years6
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2022
  • Published: Jul 2022

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Dominance of the Younger Audience

Video gaming in the U.S. in 2022 shows a strong preference among younger age groups, with 18-34 years age group leading at 36% of respondents, followed closely by those Under 18 years at 24%.

Middle-aged and Older Gamers

The age groups of 35-44 years and 45-54 years combined make up a significant 25% of the gaming audience, indicating that gaming is not just a young person's hobby.

Senior Gamers Market Share

Gamers aged 65+ years hold a smaller but notable portion of the market at 6%, showcasing the broad appeal of video gaming across generations.

Declining Participation with Age

Data indicates a gradual decline in gaming participation as age increases, from 24% in those under 18 to just 6% in the 65+ years age group, highlighting a correlation between age and gaming interest.

Young Adults as Prime Audience

The 18-34 years age group not only represents the largest segment but, combined with the Under 18 years group, accounts for a substantial 60% of the total gaming audience, emphasizing their importance to the industry.

Gaming Interest Across Generations

Every age group shows some level of interest in gaming, from 24% under 18 years to 6% for those 65 and older, illustrating the wide-ranging appeal of video games.

Lesser Engagement Among Seniors

The 55-64 years and 65+ years age groups together constitute 15% of the gaming audience, highlighting a lesser but significant engagement among older adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which age group leads in video gaming in the U.S. in 2022?

The 18-34 years age group leads in video gaming, with 36% of respondents.

What percentage of the gaming audience do the 35-44 years and 45-54 years age groups constitute?

The 35-44 years and 45-54 years age groups together make up 25% of the gaming audience.

How much of the gaming market do gamers aged 65+ years hold?

Gamers aged 65+ years hold a smaller but notable 6% of the gaming market.

What is the total percentage of the gaming audience that is represented by the 18-34 years and Under 18 years groups?

The 18-34 years and Under 18 years groups together account for a substantial 60% of the total gaming audience.

Terms and Definitions

Often shortened to game, a video game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface or input device to generate visual feedback on a display device, such as a TV screen, monitor, or touchscreen. They are typically played on platforms such as a personal computer, console, mobile device, or arcade machine.

A video game player, also known as a gamer, is a person who plays video games. They can play games on various platforms and devices, including video game consoles, personal computers, mobile phones, and tablets. The frequency and type of games played can vary widely from casual to professional level.

The term 'video gaming audience' refers to the community of video game players and potential players who engage with the medium. It includes not only current active players but also those who may play in the future or have an interest in video games. This term often refers to the demographic makeup of the player base, including details such as age, gender, and location.

A casual gamer is a type of video game player who plays games more for amusement and entertainment rather than competitively or with a significant time investment. Casual games typically require less strategy and skill, featuring straightforward rules and simple controls.

In contrast to a casual gamer, a hardcore gamer is a person who spends a considerable amount of time and effort on video games. They often play competitively and may be involved with professional gaming, also known as esports. Hardcore games are usually complex, requiring more strategy, skill, and time commitment than casual games.

Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming. It involves professional players or teams who compete against each other in specific games, often in front of a live or online audience. Some popular esports games include shooter, strategy, and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games.
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