US Gamers' Political Views Detailed in New Study

The Entertainment Software Association, the group that organizes E3 every year and represents the video game industry's interests in Washington, has released the results of a new study. But this one is not about violence in games or buying behavior. Instead, it reveals trends about gamers' political engagement and affiliations, among other things.

Among the findings is that 80 percent of people who identify as gamers said they plan to vote in next year's presidential election. By comparison, 79 percent of respondents said they voted in the 2012 election, which is substantially above the national numbers, though they could be lying.

The survey also found that 76 percent of gamers believe humans play some role in climate change and that 61 percent support cutting certain programs to address wider government budget concerns.

Below are some other key statistics from the ESA's survey, written by the ESA.

• 48 percent identified as conservative and 38 percent as liberals.
• 38 percent said they aligned with Democrats, 38 percent with Republicans/Tea Party, and 24 percent called themselves independents.
• 76 percent said they believe humans play a role in climate change.
• 67 percent said they support stronger investment in renewable energies such as solar and wind.
• 61 percent said they support cutting existing programs to help alleviate budget concerns.
• 41 percent reported being better off financially than they were eight years ago.
• 61 percent said there should be a more equitable distribution of wealth in the U.S.
• 42 percent support government providing parents more educational choices by providing taxpayer-funded vouchers to help pay for private or religious schools.
• 40 percent said the military should be used "as often as is needed to promote U.S. policies," while another 40 percent said diplomatic solutions should be the aim of foreign policy.

Among those aged 18-24, issues involving the economy and "race relations" were described as top concerns. These were followed in importance by issues involving class disparity and education.

This study was conducted for the ESA by Ipsos. It surveyed 4,147 gamers (who were 18 or older and reported playing games at least 3-4 hours per week) through an online questionnaire.

"100 million gamers will vote next year," ESA president and CEO Michael D. Gallagher said in a statement. "Gamers are engaged, informed, and hold strong opinions on critical issues. From both sides of the aisle, and in every state across the country, they will influence the course of our nation's future."

What do you make of these results? Let us know in the comments below.