Rebecca Manzi No longer just young men: today gaming is changing face as women and over-65s dominate the scene, challenging old stereotypes and rediscovering the positive power of play.
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Video gaming is no longer the exclusive domain of young men with controllers in hand. According to the “Power of Play” report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the profile of the modern gamer has radically changed. Today, 48% of gamers worldwide are women, while in the United States, women outnumber men, representing 52% of the community. But the real surprise comes from age: 22% of American gamers are over 65, proof that gaming has become a cross-generational passion without barriers.
A pastime for all ages
From smartphones to consoles, digital gaming is now part of daily life for millions of people. The average age of the global gamer is 41 years old, with record peaks in Italy, where the average reaches 50 years old. In China, however, video gamers are typically younger, averaging 31 years old. The widespread adoption of mobile games, like Sudoku, Wordle, or puzzle games, has made gaming accessible to anyone, regardless of age or technical skills.
Beyond cultural stereotypes
For decades, pop culture has perpetuated the image of the gamer as an isolated and antisocial young man. From cartoons like South Park to films like Ready Player One, video games have been associated with escapism and alienation. But today this cliché is outdated. The ESA report demonstrates that gaming is an inclusive form of entertainment, capable of uniting different generations and cultures, with positive impacts on mental and social wellbeing.
The cognitive benefits of gaming
It’s not just about fun. According to ESA data, 76% of gamers say that gaming improves their problem-solving abilities, while 50% recognize benefits in their professional lives as well, thanks to the development of technical and interpersonal skills. Video games help reduce stress, stimulate creativity, and make the mind more flexible and focused.
A universal language
Like cinema or music, video gaming is now a global language, capable of connecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. And while gaming was once considered a waste of time, today science and statistics prove otherwise: gaming is beneficial, at any age.
Source: Global Report Power of Play
