Pew Internet Logo

Reports

Read Full Report

Explore Survey Questions

Overview

More than half - 53% - of all American adults play video games of some kind, whether on a computer, on a gaming console, on a cell phone or other handheld device, on a portable gaming device, or online

Age is the biggest demographic factor in game play by adults. Younger adults are significantly more likely than any other game group to play games, and as age increases game play decreases. Independent of all other factors, younger adults are still more likely to play games.

Among older adults 65+ who play video games, nearly a third play games everyday, a significantly larger percentage than all younger players, of whom about 20% play everyday.

Age is also a factor in determining an individual's preferred game-playing device. Gaming consoles are the most popular for young adults: 75% of 18-29 year old gamers play on consoles, compared with 68% who use computers, the second most popular device for this age group.

Out of all the gaming devices, computers are the most popular among the total adult gaming population, with 73% of adult gamers using computers to play games, compared with 53% console users, 35% who using cell phones, and 25% using portable gaming devices.

Using Our Research

Want to use our research?
» View our Use Policy

How are you using our research?
» Let us know

Related Research

Media Mentions

Related Topics

Research Toolkit

Explore Questions

iPoll

Search the Pew Internet database of questions

Subscribe by RSS

DATA POINT

28%

of cell owners use phones to get directions or recommendations based on their current location

Pew Internet Logo

Copyright 2012

The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project is one of seven projects that make up the Pew Research Center. The Center is supported by The Pew Charitable Trust.