2019 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry

The 2019 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry provides a comprehensive overview of the American gaming landscape, highlighting the industry's record-breaking performance and the diverse demographics of its player base. With total industry sales reaching $43.4 billion in 2018, the report establishes that video games have become a pervasive element of American life, with 75% of households containing at least one gamer. The primary purpose of the analysis is to profile the modern gamer, debunking stereotypes by illustrating that players represent a broad cross-section of the population across all ages, genders, and ethnicities.

The research, conducted by Ipsos through a survey of over 4,000 Americans, reveals that the average age of a gamer is 33, with 46% of the gaming population identifying as female. Beyond demographics, the data emphasizes the social and psychological benefits of gaming, as 79% of players report that games provide mental stimulation and 78% cite relaxation and stress relief. Furthermore, the findings indicate that gamers are civically engaged and socially active, often participating in creative hobbies and maintaining healthy lifestyles comparable to non-gamers.

The report also examines the role of gaming within families, noting that 74% of parents view games as educational and 57% engage in weekly play with their children. High levels of awareness regarding the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings—with 90% of parents paying attention to them—suggest a responsible approach to family gaming. Commercially, the industry continues to shift toward digital distribution, which accounted for 83% of physical and digital format sales in 2018. These insights confirm that the industry is in a period of sustained growth, driven by a highly engaged and diverse audience.