Popularity of Games Across Different Age Groups in the U.S
Author: Hawk Live LLC
Last updated:
The world of video games has long outgrown the stereotypes that associated it exclusively with youth. Today, gaming has become an integral part of life for people of all ages. In this article we will look at the demographic changes among gamers in the United States and around the world, analyze the average age of gamers and study the popularity of different games among different age groups.
The average age of gamers in the United States
According to various studies, the average age of gamers in the U.S. is around 35 years. This figure is constantly changing, reflecting overall trends in the development of the video game industry.
2020: 34 years
2022: 35 years
2023: 35 years
These statistics suggest that older people are becoming increasingly attracted to gaming. The generation that grew up on games continues to play them into old age raising the mean age.
Age Groups of Gamers in the United States
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has recently published its latest findings regarding the demographics of American gamers:
Age Group | Percentage of Gamers | Number of Gamers |
|---|---|---|
Under 18 | 24% | 618 million |
18-34 years | 36% | 1.17 billion |
35-44 years | 14% | 433 million |
45-54 years | 12% | 371 million |
55-64 years | 9% | 278 million |
65+ years | 6% | 216 million |
Source:
Entertainment Software Association, "2021 Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry".
© 2024 Hawk Live LLC
From these data it is clear that young adults aged between 18 and 34 constitute the largest group whereas sizable segments belong to other categories like;
The average age of gamers globally is slightly lower than in the US, at around 34 years old. This is because in other regions of the world, such as Asia and Latin America, young people make up a larger portion of the gaming audience.
Changes in gamer demographics
According to Statista, the number of gamers in the world has increased from 2.7 billion in 2020 to 3.32 billion in 2024. This growth is mainly due to the increase in the number of gamers in the Asia-Pacific region, where there are 1.48 billion gamers.
Example of the Increase in the Number of Gamers Over the Years:
Year | Number of Gamers | Increase Over Previous Year | Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
2015 | 2.03 billion | - | - |
2016 | 2.17 billion | 140 million | ↑ 6.9% |
2017 | 2.33 billion | 160 million | ↑ 7.37% |
2018 | 2.49 billion | 160 million | ↑ 6.87% |
2019 | 2.64 billion | 150 million | ↑ 6.02% |
2020 | 2.81 billion | 170 million | ↑ 6.44% |
2021 | 2.96 billion | 150 million | ↑ 5.34% |
2022 | 3.09 billion | 130 million | ↑ 4.39% |
2023 | 3.22 billion | 130 million | ↑ 4.21% |
2024 | 3.32 billion | 100 million | ↑ 3.11% |
Source:
Exploding Topics, "How Many Gamers Are There? (New 2024 Statistics)".
© 2024 Hawk Live LLC
Average Age of Players in Popular Games
Different games attract different age groups of players here are average ages for such popular games as Dota 2, CS:GO, League of Legends and Valorant.
Dota 2
The median age of players in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and its newer version Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is about 24 years. It is a first-person shooter which stands out among the rest for its rapidity and rivalry that seduce many young people.
CS:GO and CS2
The average age of players in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and its updated version Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is also around 24 years. This game is one of the most popular first-person shooters, attracting many young players due to its dynamic and competitive elements.
League of Legends
Another game from MOBA genre, League of Legends, possesses the average player’s age of approximately twenty five years. This game enjoys popularity among students and young professionals since it has deep tactical elements and competitive spirit.
Valorant
Valorant is a new game in the genre of tactical FPS, which was recognized by many gamers who used to play other famous games including CS: GO or Overwatch. On average, Valorant players are aged about 23 years which puts it on top as one of the most suitable games for adults.
Gender Distribution Among Gamers
In terms of demographics, the gaming community can be further broken down into different gender groups. According to Entertainment Software Association (ESA), female gamers account for roughly 39 percent as compared to males who make up over 61 % who constitute the majority worldwide. The ratio between male and female gamers is as follows:
Men: 55%
Women: 45%
These data indicate the growing popularity of video games among women, contributing to the increased diversity of the gaming audience.
Gaming Platforms and Preferences
Gamers worldwide use various platforms for gaming, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. In the U.S., according to the Entertainment Software Association, 70% of adult gamers play on their smartphones, 52% use game consoles, and 43% prefer playing on PCs.
Usage of Gaming Platforms in the U.S.:
Platform | Percentage of Gamers |
|---|---|
Smartphones | 70% |
Game Consoles | 52% |
PCs | 43% |
Source:
Exploding Topics, "How Many Gamers Are There? (New 2024 Statistics)".
© 2024 Hawk Live LLC
Conclusion
Gone are those days when video games were strictly meant for young people. They are now a popular hobby enjoyed by people of all ages which has led to a shift in the demographics of gamers. The average age of video game players increases with more adults and even elderly people playing such games. Nonetheless, games like Dota 2, CS:GO, League of Legends and Valorant are still favored among young adults but also mature audiences.
For more insights, explore our other research to see how the gaming community continues to grow and diversify.
