Seeing a name like NoobMaster69 in Fortnite and thinking that it’s a 12-year-old behind the controller might be a thing of the past. In fact, there’s a big chance that NoobMaster69 might be someone over the age of 45 or even a baby boomer, according to a recent survey from Circana. The survey’s results have suggested that the majority of gamers in the US are above the age of 45.
Circana, the authority in question, surveyed 5,100 people of various ages between May and June 2024. The results were that 71 percent of US citizens play video games regularly. And get this, among that 71 percent, 37 percent are aged 45 and up.
The older gamer population has even beaten the typical gamer age stereotype of 12 to 24-year-olds. The survey even revealed that the video game activity for Gen Alpha or the youngest generation of gamers (children under 12) has declined by six percent since 2022.
According to the survey’s sample size, gamers aged 45 or older make up the majority of the gaming population in the US. So don’t be surprised if you get schooled by someone older than you in Call of Duty or Fortnite. You might even meet your (or someone else’s) grandma or grandpa in an online game.
Furthermore, a significant chunk of that gamer adults aged 45 and up are women and console gamers. Circana also added:
During the pandemic, we saw a surge in incidental players who added gaming to their routines as public activities were put on hold; however, since then, many of these players have reversed course as life has returned to normal.
Despite a decline in overall player numbers, what stands out in today’s gaming landscape is that the most dedicated gamers have stayed – and they’re spending both more time and money on the experience. Adapting to today’s new and more mature market normal will be necessary to avoid another stumble.
For transparency, however, the part of the survey for minors was conducted with the help of the children’s parents. Those aged 10-17 may or may not have had parental supervision for their answers which could have affected their honesty.
In any case, go easy on the video game toxicity. You never know when it’s your mother you’re actually trash-talking.
