The Entertainment Software Association has released its annual comprehensive report on video game demographics. The Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry 2025 features interesting statistics from 5,000 respondents.
And there’s a video now!
Over 205 million Americans (ages 5-90) reported playing video games at least one hour a week. That’s nearly two thirds of the entire population, and 60% of adults.
Gamers continue to play games as they age. The average age of a player in 2025 is 36 years old, and nearly half of the boomer generation (61 to 79) play games regularly. Interestingly, while men play a bit more than women overall (52% to 47%), women play more in older generations.
Parents are also more likely to play video games (70%), with 82% confirming they play video games with their kids. Half of gaming parents play with their kids weekly. Parents also utilize the ESRB ratings for their gaming kids (78%), and most use at least some form of parental control settings (86%).
Nearly half of every game that was rated by the ESRB in 2024 was rated E for Everyone.
Younger generations are increasingly using gaming to socialize, and even meeting good friends and forming significant relationships. Nearly 80% of Gen Z and Generation Alpha play games with their friends.
“Video games are a powerful cultural force due to their widespread appeal across every demographic as a fun and beneficial way to spend time,” said Stanley Pierre-Louis, President and CEO, ESA. “With nearly two-thirds of Americans regularly playing, it’s important to recognize that the nation’s most beloved form of entertainment also provides mental stimulation, stress relief and meaningful social connection that extends well beyond the moment of play.”
See the full ESA report here.
