The first statistic released by the Entertainment Software Association wasn’t so shocking. Approximately 50% of all US households take part in gaming on a regular basis. However, it was surprising to learn that female gamers aged 18 and up actually outnumber male gamers aged 17 and younger. This means that all of the ultra violent video game titles being purchased are more likely to fall into the hands of a mature woman than an impressionable male teen.

While lawmakers continue to do battle with the gaming industry over the dangers of minors being able to purchase violent games, it seems that the bulk of video game buyers are actually around 41 years of age. This could very well be an indicator that parents are actually okay with their kids playing violent games – so much so that they are going out and buying them in droves.

The Entertainment Software Association study pretty much shows that every stereotype about gamers is untrue. Nearly just as many women play games as men, with 48% of all gamers being female. Gamers under the age of 18 make up less than 20% of all game players. Sure, late night gaming tournaments might be more popular among college students than anyone else, but business men and soccer moms are just as likely to unwind while playing ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’ as their teen counterparts. This study just goes to show you that video game developers seem to know more about their audiences than they first let on.