J. Clement
Research lead covering internet and gaming
Video gaming audiences in the United States - Statistics & Facts
Although video games have long been seen as a hobby for predominantly young and male audiences, this is no longer the case. Gamers across all demographics in the United States play video games to have fun, interact with others, connect with friends and family. There is a game for every type of gamer, proving that gaming has indeed become a mainstream entertainment option.
Approximately a quarter of video gamers in the United States were under 18 years old, and gamers aged 18 to 34 years accounted for more than a third of gaming audiences. Gamers are very loyal to their hobby – in total, 36 percent of console gamers and 30 percent of PC gamers in the United States have been playing video games for more than ten years, respectively.
Another 2023 gamer survey found that about a quarter of U.S. gaming audiences could be classed as highly engaged “super gamers”, who viewed gaming as their primary source of entertainment and also followed gaming content online. Additionally, these super gamers were more likely to be multiplatform gamers and to spend money on video gaming content purchases.
Video games played a huge role in socializing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of those who started gaming at that time have kept enjoying their newfound hobby. If the ongoing popularity of free-to-play online multiplayer titles is anything to go by, video games are more social and accessible than ever.
Who are the gamers in the United States?
In 2024, the number of gamers in the United States is projected to surpass 200 million. Among all gaming segments in the United States, mobile games had the largest audience, with about 163 million users. Almost half of the gamers in the United States are female. This development has been ongoing for years, and whereas women are under-represented in games media and the industry, they account for a sizable chunk of players and spending power. There are some differences in terms of genre preferences but female gaming audiences in the United States are just as engaged as their male counterparts.Approximately a quarter of video gamers in the United States were under 18 years old, and gamers aged 18 to 34 years accounted for more than a third of gaming audiences. Gamers are very loyal to their hobby – in total, 36 percent of console gamers and 30 percent of PC gamers in the United States have been playing video games for more than ten years, respectively.
How engaged are U.S. gamers?
Console and mobile gamers were likely to spend more weekly hours on gaming than their PC gaming counterparts. In total, 39 percent of U.S. mobile gamers spent more than six hours per week playing video games, compared to only 30 percent of PC gamers spending the same amount of time on video games.Another 2023 gamer survey found that about a quarter of U.S. gaming audiences could be classed as highly engaged “super gamers”, who viewed gaming as their primary source of entertainment and also followed gaming content online. Additionally, these super gamers were more likely to be multiplatform gamers and to spend money on video gaming content purchases.
Spotlight: friends, family, and gaming
Another big draw of video gaming is community - a 2023 survey found that 80 percent of gamers in the United States played with others online or in person, up from 65 percent in 2020. According to U.S. gamers, friends are the most popular group to play online with. Additionally, 88 percent of respondents from the same survey stated that video games had helped them expand their social circles as well as introduced them to new friendships and relationships.Video games played a huge role in socializing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of those who started gaming at that time have kept enjoying their newfound hobby. If the ongoing popularity of free-to-play online multiplayer titles is anything to go by, video games are more social and accessible than ever.
