The average gamer is 41 and male, according to new survey

A new survey has revealed that the average gamer is a 41-year-old male, playing on mobile.

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The Entertainment Software Association shared their Power Of Play report earlier this month. For it, the organisation surveyed 24,216 players aged 16 and over from 21 different countries about their gaming habits. Everyone surveyed regularly plays video games for at least one hour per week via console, PC/laptop, tablet, mobile or VR.

According to the survey, the average gamer is 41 years old. The most popular age category was 25 to 34 years old, with 26 per cent of all participants from this age range, while the second most popular was 35 to 44 years old. Just 14 per cent of gamers were aged between 16 and 24 while 10 per cent were 65 or older.

Our 2025 ESA Global Power of Play Report is out now!

Surveying 24,000+ players across 21 countries, it shows play goes beyond entertainment—fostering connection, creativity, relaxation, and community worldwide.

Full Report: https://t.co/QH35GfwuZo #PowerOfPlay2025 pic.twitter.com/qM2rQYNGUb

— Entertainment Software Association (@theESA) October 8, 2025

61 per cent of over 55s prefer to play on mobile compared to just 12 per cent who opt for consoles. The Power Of Play report also claims that the most popular genre of video games for over 60s is puzzle followed by skill & chance. In contrast, under 35s prefer action (57 per cent) and fighting (44 per cent) games.

The Power Of Play report also found a near-equal gender split between video game fans, with 48 per cent female and 51 per cent of responders male. The favourite genre for male gamers is action (53 per cent) while 62 per cent of female gamers prefer puzzlers. 

48% of today’s video game players are women according to a new Power of Play report by @theESA pic.twitter.com/b9glcIIXBR

— The Game Awards (@thegameawards) October 8, 2025

Across the world, the most popular reason for playing a video game is to have fun (66 per cent) while stress release/relaxation was the second most popular choice (58 per cent) just ahead of keeping your brain/skills sharp (45 per cent).

“The video game industry has long been at the forefront of innovation, redefining not just the boundaries of play but also revolutionising how entire industries reach consumers, train workforce, and drive business transformation and growth,” reads the report.

“Video games also sit at the epicenter of culture, introducing billions of players to music, shows, and movies, and giving them a chance to engage with their favorite brands and celebrities. In many cases, playing video games allows players to continue sports and hobbies after the glory days are physically behind them. Yet, despite the reality that video games are a cultural, business, and societal force that have long transcended entertainment, stubborn stereotypes about games – and the people who love to play them – persist. It’s time that the world embraces the power of play.”

You can check out the full report here.

In other news, it’s been claimed Sony is looking to launch the PlayStation 6 the same year Microsoft will release the successor to the Xbox Series X/S.

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