Wait … How Many Americans Play Video Games?
By Movieguide® Contributor
A new study revealed just how popular video games are in the U.S., with 71% of Americans playing video games, many of which are aged 45 and older.
The study, which comprised of an online survey of 5,100 respondents found there are 236.4 million games in America, which amounts to 71%. Surprisingly, the demographic where games are most popular is with people aged 45 and older, who comprise 37% of American gamers. The most important demographic for games, however, remains children as they have more free time.
While video game usage peaked during the pandemic, many people have since put the pastime down, however, committed gamers are spending more time and money on the hobby than ever.
“During the pandemic, we saw a surge in incidental players who added gaming to their routines as public activities were put on hold; however, since then, many of these players have reversed course as life has returned to normal,” said Circana’s – the company who conducted the study – Mat Piscatella.
“Despite a decline in overall player numbers, what stands out in today’s gaming landscape is that the most dedicated gamers have stayed – and they’re spending both more time and money on the experience,” Piscatella continued. “Adapting to today’s new and more mature market normal will be necessary to avoid another stumble.”
The popularity of video games is also being boosted by other forms of entertainment. Video game adaptations have overtaken Hollywood, with dozens of video game-based projects popping up around the industry.
Last year, THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE was an incredible hit, encouraging many studios to fast-track their video game adaptations. While none have yet to see the blockbuster success of THE MARIO MOVIE, they have nonetheless, served as reliable hits.
These adaptations have proven to be especially successful because they not only resonate with American audiences but overseas as well.
Movieguide® previously reported:
TV shows and movies based on popular video games have popped up in recent years, and viewers can only expect to see more of them as over a dozen projects based on games are currently in development.
Studios like to produce projects they know have large audiences, which is why sequels and franchises are created from movies that do well. Audiences, however, have become weary of the endless sequels.
Studios are looking to other media sources to create TV shows and movies with an already-established fanbase without pumping out sequels. Video games have become the obvious choice.
Netflix has already found success with TV shows based on games like “League of Legends,” “The Witcher,” “Castlevania” and “Cuphead.” HBO’s THE LAST OF US and Paramount+’s HALO also drew in large viewership, proving that video game adaptations are often successful.
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