Gaming Boom: 65% of Americans Play, Mobile Dominates, and Switch 2 Set to Energize Market
December 5, 2024The gaming market continues to thrive, with a remarkable 65% of Americans aged 13 and older having engaged in video gaming within the last three months, translating to approximately 182.7 million individuals.
Mobile gaming has emerged as the dominant platform, with nearly half of gamers, specifically 49%, primarily using mobile devices for their gaming experiences.
The gaming demographic is diverse, with core gamers constituting 46% of the player base, while casual gamers, who tend to be older with an average age of 41, make up 36%.
Hardcore gamers, representing 18% of the gaming population, are particularly engaged, averaging an impressive 42 hours of gameplay each week.
Interestingly, almost 40% of gamers prefer playing video games over watching movies, highlighting the growing engagement with gaming-related content online.
A significant shift in consumer preference is evident, as 69% of gamers now favor digital downloads over physical discs, alongside a rising interest in game subscription services.
Accessibility and inclusivity remain crucial for many players, with over half of gamers feeling represented in the gaming landscape.
However, concerns loom over potential tariffs on Chinese imports, which could lead to a staggering 40% increase in video game console prices.
Looking ahead, about 64% of gamers are planning to invest in new gaming hardware within the next year, indicating a strong demand for gaming peripherals as well.
Among the anticipated releases is the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set to launch next year, promising to further invigorate the gaming market.
Video games have solidified their position as the second most valued form of entertainment among U.S. consumers, particularly favored by Gen Z and Millennials.
The upcoming CES 2025 will spotlight the gaming industry, featuring keynotes and exhibits from major players like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, showcasing the sector's ongoing innovation.
Summary based on 1 source
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VentureBeat • Dec 5, 2024
It’s a cross-platform world — 61% of U.S. gamers play across multiple devices | exclusive CTA survey