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New report from CTA explores gaming's post-pandemic popularity

ARLINGTON, Va. , Sept. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. gaming population expanded by 3% from 2019 to 2022, as 9 million new gamers aged 13 to 64 entered the market, according to a new Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® study. The active gaming population in this age range now totals 164 million, representing 73% of 224 million U.S. adults and adolescents.

The U.S. gaming population grew by 3% from 2019 to 2022, according to a new Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® study

"Accessible and immersive experiences are the future of entertainment, especially in gaming," said CTA Researcher Steven Hummel. "Gamers are on the cutting edge, and diverse gaming options meet the interests of ever-wider audiences. As we'll see at CES 2023, game publishers, hardware manufacturers and retailers all have an opportunity to capitalize on a growing market."

The survey measured enthusiasm for gaming and segmented respondents according to interest level. Across all platforms, gamers spend an average of 24 hours a week playing video games.

Market Background Digital stores now have a clear lead over mass-merchant and specialty gaming stores: 55% of console and PC gamers report shopping in a digital store versus 40% for mass-merchant and 38% specialty gaming stores.

According to a CTA's most recent Biannual U.S. Consumer Tech Sales Forecast, gaming revenue will increase by 1% to $51.7 billion in 2022, and $52.4 billion in 2023 (+1% YoY).

The Next Realm of Gaming Hardcore gamers and young people are pushing gaming experiences to new platforms and realms of entertainment. There is a growing population of gamers interested in newer gaming technology, including AR/VR and a future metaverse.

Almost 38 million gamers self-identify as metaverse enthusiasts. Twenty-three million gamers have purchased AR/VR technology. Twenty-nine percent of gamers plan to buy a VR/AR headset, almost the same number who plan to buy a console or PC.

The proportion of gamers who mentioned AR/VR/metaverse to improve the gaming experience jumped from 8% in 2019 to 22%. Hardcore Gamers are more interested in VR gaming than Core and Casual gamers, while teenagers expect to play VR games more than adults. Hardcore Gamers average 2.1 hours per week on AR/VR games.

Hardcore Gamers are more interested in VR gaming than Core and Casual gamers, while teenagers expect to play VR games more than adults. Hardcore Gamers average 2.1 hours per week on AR/VR games.

Leveling-Up Accessories Gamers have strong appetites for immersive hardware like 8K televisions and soundbars.

Mobile and Cloud Gaming on the Rise Mobile and on-demand platforms are fueling growth and increased accessibility.

Gaming at CES 2023 Major gaming industry names including Microsoft, Sony, AMD, Razer, Intel, Qualcomm and HyperX will exhibit at CES® – the most influential tech event in the world. Media registration for CES 2023.

As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA® is the tech sector. Our members are the world's leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs.

Find us at CTA.tech.

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