63 percent of US population now plays video games, says report

The NPD Group has released the results of its study Expanding the Games Market, showing that gaming is moving firmly into the mainstream of American life.
the report “shows that an increasing number of people see gaming as a viable and fun hobby. The report also notes that while gaming might be a more isolated activity for the “hardcore” market, most gamers use their hobby as a way to connect with their friends and family.”
“The sample included 5,039 members of the NPD Group’s online consumer panel, and the majority of the respondents said that games were a good way to alleviate stress and unwind. Impressive for the gaming industry was that the stress-relieving aspect of the hobby was mostly seen in older gamers ranging from 15 to 65 years of age.”
“With the data showing that 63 percent of the US population is playing games—and 30 percent are playing more this year than last year—gaming is on the move.”
I have a bunch of late middle-aged friends addicted to Scrabulous and Wii Brain Age. So it’s seems true enough to me. I still like Jeopardy online and admit to Solitaire.
W00t!
Stephen