According to a new study from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a staggering 64% of Americans ages 5 to 90 play video games every week. That’s more than 212 million people logging on, booting up, and pressing start on a regular basis on consoles, phones, PCs and more.
The study highlights what many of us already know: gaming isn’t just a hobby it’s part of everyday life. The average gamer today is 36 years old, and the community spans all generations, with nearly equal participation across genders.
The ESA’s report points to gaming’s growing role in culture, wellness, and connection. People aren’t just gaming to pass the time — they’re using it to de-stress, stay sharp, and build social connections. From competitive titles and online co-op to cozy solo games, the medium has become a key part of how Americans unwind, learn, and engage.
This isn’t a trend, it’s a shift. With mobile gaming on the rise, cloud services expanding access, and gaming now influencing everything from fashion to music to how we tell stories, this study simply confirms what the culture’s been showing us for years.
Gaming is mainstream, multi-generational, and here to stay.
