• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer, July 25, 2008

According to a new survey by the Entertainment Software Association, forty percent of gamers are women, and usage behaviors indicate that the average age of game players has risen to 35.

Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, representing computer and video game publishers, said "No longer is there a stereotypical gamer... This data underscores the fundamental principle that computer and video games are a mainstream entertainment form... "

Among the survey's main findings, says the report:

• 65 percent of American households play computer and video games
• 38 percent of American homes have a video game console
• The average game player is 35 years old
• One out of four gamers is over age 50
• Women age 18 or older represent a significantly greater portion of the game-playing population (33 percent) than boys age 17 or younger (18 percent)
• 41 percent of Americans expect to purchase one or more games this year

The research shows how involved parents are in the way their children buy, rent and play games:

• 94 percent of parents are present when games are purchased or rented
• 88 percent of parents report always or sometimes monitoring the games their children play
• 63 percent of parents believe games are a positive part of their children's lives

The 2008 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry includes statistics on the top selling titles and genres of 2007, provided by The NPD Group.Based on unit sales:

• 85 percent of the games sold last year were rated  Everyone (E) Everyone 10+ (E10+) or Teen (T)
• 15 percent of the games sold in 2007 were rated Mature (M)

The complete 2008 Essential Facts booklet is available online here, or you may review the release here.