63% of U.S. Population Plays Video Games According to NPD
By Jonathan on Friday, December 14th, 2007 at 2:50 PM PST In Game Related Science, Gamer Life, Games Industry
You know how lots of politicians and various anti-video game lobbyists keep decrying video games as part of the “societal cesspool of filth,” among other things? Well, turns out they’re speaking directly to 63% of the U.S. population. A recent report from the NPD Group has revealed around that many people are playing video games these days, and that 30% percent are playing even more than before. Their report, titled “Expanding the Games Market,” shows that more people today see gaming as a fun and legitimate form of entertainment. The report also went on to say that the majority of these people use games as way to connect with friends and family; the “hardcore” gamers however still remain fairly isolated in their activity.
“The new type of game experiences brought to the market over the past several years are succeeding in reaching a broader audience. The challenge for the industry is that consumers are a fickle group, and with the great variety of options pulling at their limited free time, they’re going to be easily distracted unless something really compels them to stay with gaming,” said NPD analyst Anita Frazier in a statement. “To reach these less-involved consumers, the industry has to work even harder, but doing so can produce great rewards.”
It seems video games are gaining more mass-market appeal these days, particularly with older gamers in the 15-65 age range. Let’s hope the mainstream media starts to realize this pretty soon as well.
Via Ars Technica
Nintendo has alot to do with this, WII, DS, both family oriented systems. Even Grandma love the Wii. people grew up with video games from the old Atari to now.
Video Games are here to stay! all those anti-game people, shut your faces and give some Video games a try, you may actually have some fun.
TAKE THAT
YOU CONSERVATIVE OLD CROONIES!
I hate to be a neo-conservative party crasher, but statistics like this lead me to believe that regulatory intervention is coming for the gaming industry. No wonder Hilary is so interested…
You’re probably right Khan.
Enjoy it while you can.