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TO ENTERTAINMENT, AND FAMILY EDITORS:
Majority of Parents Say Video Games are a Positive Part of Kids' Lives
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A majority of
parents say playing video games benefits their children, according to
new research released today by the Entertainment Software Association
(ESA). The report, 2014 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video
Game Industry, reveals that56 percent of parents say video games are a
positive part of their child's life.
Other key findings include that 68 percent of families with children
under 18 at home believe game play provides mental stimulation or
education, and more than 50 percent believe games help them spend time
together. Moreover, 58 percent of parents whose children are gamers
play games with their kids at least monthly, and among parents who
play with their kids, 88 percent believe video games are fun for the
entire family.
"Parents across America recognize the widespread benefits of video
games, including education, mental stimulation, and the bonding
opportunities they create for families," said Michael D. Gallagher,
president and CEO of ESA, the trade association that represents the
U.S. video game industry. "Video games are a favorite pastime enjoyed
by men and women of all ages, and millions worldwide who share their
game play experiences with friends and family."
The report also found that parents monitor their children's game play.
In fact, 95 percent of parents report paying attention to the content
of the games their children play, and 91 percent are present when
games are purchased or rented. Additionally, 88 percent of parents
whose children play games believe the Entertainment Software Rating
Board (ESRB) video game ratings are either very or somewhat helpful in
choosing games for their children.
"Our industry has an unparalleled commitment to helping parents make
informed entertainment choices, and these findings underscore the
value of the ESRB rating system," Gallagher said.
The 2014 Essential Facts also provides statistics on gamer
demographics; the types of games played and the kinds of game
platforms used; the top-selling video games; and other industry sales
information. Notable findings include:
-- 181.3 million Americans play video games;
-- 51 percent of U.S. households own a game console, and those that do
own an average of 2;
-- The average game player is 31 years old, and 39 percent of game
players - the largest age segment - are 36 or older;
-- Gamers play on-the-go: 44 percent play on smartphones, and 33
percent play on wireless devices;
-- Casual and social game play on mobile devices and online increased
in popularity by 55 percent from 2012 to 2013; and
-- Consumers spent more than $21 billion on game content, hardware,
and accessories in 2013.
Essential Facts is the most in-depth and targeted survey of its kind.
It is conducted by Ipsos MediaCT, gathering data from more than 2,200
nationally representative households.
ESA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers,
including conducting business and consumer research; providing legal
and policy analysis; advocating on First Amendment, intellectual
property, and technology/e-commerce issues; managing a global content
protection program; owning and operating E3; and representing video
game industry interests in federal and state government relations. For
more information, please visit www.theESA.com or follow us on Twitter:
@RichatESA.
SOURCE Entertainment Software Association
-0- 04/24/2014
/CONTACT: Dan Hewitt, 202.223.2400, dhewitt@theESA.com
/Web Site: http://www.theESA.com
CO: Entertainment Software Association
ST: District of Columbia
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0000 04/24/2014 13:00:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
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