A new study conducted by the Peter D. Hart Research Associates and released by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) shows that 35% of U.S. parents play videogames; of those, almost half (47%) are women. 80% of gaming parents say they play with their children.
Other interesting data from the report, which surveyed 501 “nationally representative” households with children aged 2-17, include:
# Average age of gaming parent: 37
# Average length gaming parent has been gaming: 13 years
# Percentage of gaming parents who introduced their children to videogames: 36%
# Percentage of gaming parents who were introduced to gaming by their children: 27%
In what is surely meant to be a direct appeal to lawmakers, the study also reveals that 85% of voting parents, including those who don’t play videogames, say parents should take responsibility for childrens’ exposure the games. ESA president Doug Lowenstein commented in a statement, “This research suggests that proposals to regulate video games may backfire with American voters who, unlike some elected officials, appear to fully understand that they should control the entertainment that comes into their homes.”
While these numbers aren’t surprising as we expect the videogame consumer to mature and, increasingly, to continue gaming after childhood, it’s wise to remember the old adage about statistics — they are like a bikini: what they reveal is interesting, but what they hide is essential.