ESA study finds parents playing games

Gaming industry trade group says 35 percent of those polled can be considered "gamer parents."

Though it sometimes feels like gaming in the US is a hobby by and for young, white, single males, the industry trade group Entertainment Software Association is doing its best to present research that suggests the contrary. Today the group released a summary of its latest such research, a look into the prevalence of American parents who game.

"This first-ever study of 'gamer parents' dramatizes the increasing and positive role that video games play in American family entertainment," ESA president Douglas Lowenstein said in a statement. "The data provide further evidence dispelling the myth that game playing is dominated by teens and single 20-somethings."

Out of 501 parents with children between the ages of 2 and 17, the ESA found that 35 percent of those polled played computer or video games beyond desktop card games or children's titles. Of that sample, 80 percent said they played games with their children, and 66 percent said playing games has brought their families closer together.

In addition to portraying gamers in a more diverse light, the study also touched on another of the ESA's main agendas: fighting game regulation. According to the research, 73 percent of gamer parents also vote regularly, with 36 percent of those going Democrat, and 35 percent skewing Republican. Of the parents who did vote, whether they gamed or not, 85 percent said that parents were most responsible for keeping inappropriate games out of the hands of minors, while 60 percent said it wasn't the government's role to do so through the regulation of game sales.

And just in case the ESA's message wasn't clear enough, Lowenstein spelled it out for politicians. "This research suggests that proposals to regulate video games may backfire with American voters who, unlike some elected officials, appear to fully understand that they should control the entertainment that comes into their homes," he said.

The original survey was conducted for the ESA in November 2005 by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc.

71 Comments

  • Terminator14

    Posted Feb 7, 2006 11:55 am PT

    I wish I could get my father to play a game with me.........

  • aponly

    Posted Feb 7, 2006 3:15 am PT

    Hey, I'm a dad. I'll be 43 this month. I have 2 daughters, 7 & 3, and both of them like to "play" or watch me by sitting in my lap. I love RPGs, shooters, strategy games. I just got back from a one year tour in Iraq via National Guard and bought a brand new gaming machine. I also own an xbox that I bought for the girls (yeah, sure). My wife doesn't like when I play games and probably doesn't like when my girls play, but too bad. Gaming is great, good escape, good, cheap entertainment.

  • Tremblay343

    Posted Feb 2, 2006 5:33 pm PT

    Thank god somebody finally did something to get the gouvernment and politicians off gamers asses!!!

  • wyrdshaman

    Posted Jan 29, 2006 12:39 pm PT

    WYRDSHAMAN;
    January 29th,2006

    As a parent of 2 boys ages, 13 and 8, I couldn't agree more with the ESA findings. I personaly started video gaming twenty years ago on the original Nintendo. Next the PSone; my eldest would sit next to me and be my "co-pilot" from the age of two. We finished the first METAL GEAR SOLID sitting next to each other, he offering straregy suggestions while I pushed the buttons. At the time I was off work for a month after arthroscopic knee surgery and he hadn't started school yet, so we sat together several hours a day played MSG and talked not only about gaming but mostly answering all the questions of an inquisitive four year old. By five he was competent playing the games himself and the next year when his brother was born he got a PSone for his bedroom.

    On the family computer he played AGE OF EMPIRES and all the rest ,ROME, CONQUERERS up to AGE OF MYTHOLOGY and now LotR BATTLE FOR MIDDLE EARTH which both he and his younger brother play together, actually for the most part they argue about whose turn it is at the keyboard. When not at the computer the thirteen year old is on the Xbox playing Starwars Battlefront II and Brothers in Arms, Earned in Blood. The younger one has beaten Star Wars Knights of the old Republic, SW Battlefront, Kingdom Under Fire: Crusaders and is currently working his way through BURNOUT: REVENGE and LotR RETURN of the KING (Xbox.) Weird as it may be my youngest, the eight year old, is the best player out of the three of us and I have to work up a sweat to keep up with them. In fact, the eight year old, showing uncharacteristic restraint for a kid has jealously guarded the $60 he got at Christmas so he can buy BLACK(Xbox) when it hits the shelves next month (Feb 2006.)

    Of course all three of us have beaten HALO one and two; multiple times. Myself I'm working my way through DOOM(Xbox) and FARCRY(Xbox): while attempting not to embarrass myself in split screen duels of Star Wars Battlefront I & II or HALO 2.

    The most important thing of all is both of boys basically taught themselves how to read by playing RTS games on the computer. Their desire to play was so great they learned to read so they could play when I or their mom wasn't around to help. Both were proficient readers by the end of Kindergarten. In fact my oldest son on standardized tests taken in second grade scored a 12th grade profiecency level in reading. The youngest who is now in first grade is reading at a fith grade level according to his teacher as of the last parent teacher conference.

    So as a parent I've found video gaming to be a positive even educational experiance. Its improved their reading and critical thinking skills. Its also provided large amounts of time I could spend with my boys and because I decide what's appropriate and whats not: If they have any questions, while playing more mature games, I can answer their questions about many technical and moral subjects rather than getting often wrong or skewed answers from their peers. All in all its given us a common meeting ground and a chance for all three of us to talk, to learn about one another: Even though I'm still DAD and not one of their buddies its allowed them to trust me and talk or tell me things they might otherwise withhold if not for the trust and respect I've earned by being involved in a big part of their lives. It's up to parents to be parents, the last thing we need is more of the government intruding into our lives because some are too lazy or indifferent to parent or participate more fully in their childerens lives.
    WYRDSHAMAN

  • The_Fat_Zebra

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 3:25 pm PT

    My mom likes racing games, my dad likes strategy games, and my gf likes fps...

  • viniciusdcs

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 2:58 pm PT

    My dad plays Winning Eleven and Burnout with me, but mom hates it when he plays and she gets mad

  • satjome

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 2:57 pm PT

    My dad occasionally plays some of my games (mostly my racing and simulation and sometimes co-op) with me and enjoys them.
    Starsky and Hutch is alot more fun with 2 people...
    Also, my mom(though she doesn't like FPS's) play MS backgammon online if that counts.

  • LordOfMidnight

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 2:20 pm PT

    My stepfather used to play "Bard's Tale 2" with me. He had his own character disk and such... he really got a kick out of it.

  • Arley569

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 1:29 pm PT

    SEE GAMES ARE GOOD FOR FAMILIES..............LOL

  • Link1515

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 12:12 pm PT

    My Dad loves video games, all thanks to me and my brothers. Except, the only game he's really into is BattleField 2 Special Forces. lol

  • JBBJR

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 11:23 am PT

    I have been gaming since pong. I game almost every day. I have 2 teenage boys and one more about to be. Unfortunately, the students are passing the teacher.....but not in Madden where I still rule the roost. We have a lot of fun in heated competitions and cooperative gaming that have brought us all closer together. Its up to me and their mother to make sure my boys are playing age appropriate games and not the Government. I take the stance in my house that as long as my kids arent shooting up the town or cursing people out, that they can play pretty much anything. They know if they start getting overly aggressive or using the wrong language, that privilege and freedom will go away. We have had no issues. Its only the few that mess it up for the rest of us.

  • LunarDuality

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 11:20 am PT

    I wonder how loosely the term "gamer" is used here. I mean my mom won't sit down to play on a console but she owns Bejeweled 2 and Card games and other such "casual" games for the PC. And that's what the market research is saying too, that "female casual gamers" are the fastest growing demographic amongst "gamers". Which is why The Sims, Nintendogs, and casual gaming sites like MSN Zone are doing so well.

  • Talia_Starfire

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 10:59 am PT

    I really wish they'd stop doing studies like this. Now that they're wrong, but it's just so stupid to go around acting all surprised that *gasp* gamers aren't some horrifying sub-breed of human that spits out radioactive waste and consumes small children. And, more importantly, that games are just like books, movies, or television shows--they can be fun, they can be moving, and they can be a family activity. DUH. I really wish all these study people would move onto something that actually matters and is actually important. Out of all the things to study in the world, they choose such a silly non-issue like this? At least it wasn't another one of those laughable studies about how girls actually are gamers too. Those are always good for a chuckle. Especially since I'm a girl.

    My dad is the one who got me into gaming in the first place. I got raised on stuff like DOOM and Raptor and Heretic. I think he'd probably still game with me if he had more time. My mom's always been really fond of card and puzzle games, though I keep trying to get her into stuff like Final Fantasy. I often have discussions about games or the gaming industry/community with my parents. It's not that unusual. And I don't eat children. =D They're too salty.

  • frankeyser

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 10:43 am PT

    the reason i play games is my dad played games when i was little in the early 80s and i inherited his old system when i was old enough to play in the mid 80's
    but i can admit my games were never regulated... or the movies i watched... i just watched and played whatever my dad played.. and some of that material i should have never seen until i was in my teens.

  • blackmage0_15

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 9:52 am PT

    Mine play games. My dad is hardcore with games like far cry and Grand Tourismo 4. My mom enjoys games such as HOMM and Warcraft III. I have parents of a 35% demographic.

  • mjindhar

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 9:38 am PT

    I wish my parents could join me playing...

  • too_dze

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 9:23 am PT

    I have played games since the 2600 and it surprises folks that I have an extensive knowledge of present and past games. I am not even in the core videogame demographic anymore, 35, but I will not stop sitting in front of the screen with whatever game that gets my interest. My step kids and their friends are blown away that I can compete and usually win consistently against them. There are a few games they will not play because I get the best of them most of the time. I am just having fun and will never stop.

  • decebal

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 9:03 am PT

    Revolution will increase those numbers drastically. Hate to say it, but when it comes to this, Nintendo has a better vision than Microsoft. XBOX live won't make my parents play games... but a DS will.

  • SanAndreasfan

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 9:00 am PT

    my father would like to start....but he is really bad, at games....unfortunately....

  • Tiefster

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 8:38 am PT

    Me and my family have been playing games since we got NES when i was like 3.

  • Mista_Sal

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 8:35 am PT

    My old man plays games. He's currently playing DIablo 2 and has been for the past 3-4 years. My mom will play games too. Give her an SNES with Super Mario All Stars or Donkey Kong country and she's set.

  • LaGouge

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 8:20 am PT

    Makes sense given that most young parents were once kids with Coleco's and Atari's. I'm 29, and I've just had my second child(vasectomy on the way). It's kind of weird being a Dad who can't wait to get the kids and the wife to bed so I can get in some time with RE4 and GTA:SA. I'm really looking forward to playing games with my kids when they're a little older. Although, I'm kind of conflicted about it....Being someone who has had more that a few marathon gaming sessions with some pretty violent games(Manhunt comes to mind), it's hard to envision myself limiting my children's gaming to a couple hours a week and filtering the content of their games should they choose to play the kind of violent games I like to play...But that's my job as a parent to do so. Cool study.

  • jaefrmbk2k

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 8:11 am PT

    For a loong time my master plan was to get my kids addicted to games so i could force them to become professional gamers and collect the revenue. Since then many ppl told me that would be reprehensible and morally wrong so last week i went and got a vasectomy i think this is the only way to insure that my plan will never happen.

  • Legir

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 8:00 am PT

    When I have kids I'll kick their little butts old school with some Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter or Super Smash Bros. The kids will say: "Mommy? Daddy's too hard! Can we fight against you?" It will be sweet. But I think they'd get older and then start kicking my butt when my reflexes die down.

  • Seraphim_24

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 6:43 am PT

    Hey I'm 26 and married, and if I ever have kids my wife and I will play games with them! It's my parents that need to be converted to gamming goodness. Those silly baby boomers can be so technophobic, (Just kidding ^-^)

  • Bruin4ev3r1520

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 6:12 am PT

    you hear that Jacko!?!?!?! they're on our side!!!!

  • quietguy

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 6:12 am PT

    You'd be surprised that you can find many parents that still say that they hate videogames, but when you introduce to them online casino card games... who's the hypocrite now?

  • pcgothicgamer

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 5:07 am PT

    my dad sometimes but me mom never does it gives her headaches!!!!!!!!!LOL LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More time for me though

  • ninjacat11

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 3:43 am PT

    Thank you, Captain Obvious!!!

  • Goze

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 3:13 am PT

    Games have long since evolved from just "kiddie" stuff... Hopefully the public will understand that more in the future. I'm happy to see this trend =).

  • tatu2004

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 2:35 am PT

    my step dad does alot of gaming and my mom wants to buy a PSP for her self....

  • _solidsnake_2

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 2:35 am PT

    Cool

  • PositiveFlow

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 2:26 am PT

    ESA study finds parents playing games

    wow, what a breaking headline that was

    that would be a logical conclusion from anyone who thought about it for more than 5 seconds. I'd say anyone who was a teenager and a semi-hardcore gamer in the 80's is probably still playing now...hence, Parents Playing Games....shocking

  • Benny_is_here

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 1:44 am PT

    My mom said she would play Fable 2 if it gets out. I don't know how she knows so much about Fable though... I'm betting there was a documentary on TV about it or something. She LOVES the Xbox 360 controller too. Her jaw dropped just seeing the green light on the wireless controller when it tried to connect!

    I too think that the statement (or impression) that it's mostly white male playing games is false. I know MANY black people that plays'em and I don't see why there would be more white people playing games!

    Anyway, good to see parents play games too. They're probably more willing to buy games for you!

  • unang_bangkay

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 1:17 am PT

    >>""Though it sometimes feels like gaming in the US is a hobby by and for young, white, single males"''---Excuse me? Isn't the white thing going lil to far on there research that is really stupid..."

    The overwhelming majority of game development is conducted by fairly young white males, so the "by" portion of the comment is not completely inaccurate.

  • robinnwa

    Posted Jan 27, 2006 12:44 am PT

    Yeah, playing games isn’t just for the young it never really was. My daughter doesn’t game much at all and maybe she will play her Kingdom Hearts once I get my Ps3. I think kids want to do what parents don’t do so they can feel their own individually; sad but I think true. Since I do play games, and have a game, and guide collection she doesn’t play. Even though I bought her several games to try out; she liked them well enough, but hasn’t played in months. Being a teen is hard in any decade, and I know she will play games at some point because she let me know what games she really wanted in case I died. They are duly listed on a piece of paper behind some games. Her older sister who is in her late 20’s, has expanded her list from Mario to trying out my Snes RPG’s, and saying how Zelda might be fun. It would be interesting to know if older people like the violence and gore that is more and more prevalent in games now. I felt they were doing it for the easy dollar from the young men because I don’t see how older people would still be in that mind set. It is one aspect of a game that will make me stop buying a particular series; sadly Prince of Persia 2 and 3.

  • mamodoking

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 11:14 pm PT

    Sorry so many of you have lame parents that don't play games. I turned 40 this year and my 8yr old are always playing together (Star Wars Battlefront 2 are current choice), but I know that I'm not the norm in my age range. The only people I know over 30 that pay games were playing since the beginning, like me. I bet that if the study went deeper the find that they would find the the parents that play games were playing them before they had kids

  • Gorge-a-Maniac

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 10:40 pm PT

    Neither of my parents play games... Pity - it'd be fun to be able to talk about games excitedly to them, in realty though, they have no idea what im on about so they just blanky stare and nod their heads. I've met quite a few married adults on Guild Wars (Only MMO I can afford to play - bloody brilliant though) who both play them regularly and get their friends over to have lunch and play - which is very cool .

  • GoGreenRanger

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 10:33 pm PT

    My mom plays Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee(No this isn't a joke)
    It's quite a scary sight.

  • Kwiksilva

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 9:52 pm PT

    Yea thats what I like to hear parents startin to play sum games

  • ChrisMx2

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 9:45 pm PT

    Eventually, the parents will be the majority because we'll be there.

  • slicerdice50

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 9:03 pm PT

    i used to play games with my dad but the only game we actually played was Mario Kart 64 but i lost my N64 somehow so we dont play video games together anymore, but he still watches while i play games

  • Carpe_Noctum

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 8:53 pm PT

    Big shock. Why is this news? My dad was one of the best at Defender when it was new. He of course is still playing games. Video games have been around for a while now; amazing what is "news". In other news, the Earth is round.

  • stovich

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 8:47 pm PT

    I've successfully addicted my wife and 6 y/o daughter to the gamecube, gameboy & anything Mario or Zelda. Currently, my 3 y/o son loves the plug-n-play joysticks of Disney & Spongebob. Ps2 & Xbox are mine, though. MINE!!!!

  • _sean_05

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 8:31 pm PT

    too bad this story isn't sensationalized enough to make tv news

  • sgmcdaniel2000

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 8:26 pm PT

    Well I am a dad and I play all the time with my two boys. They enjoy playing by themselves but they get real excited when we all sit down and play metroid or mario soccer together. I think that playing games really brings us all together and I agree that it is my job as a parent to monitor what my kids play not the government. Hopefully the politicians will get that message and stop trying to shove their agenda down our throats. Also just on a side note I also read my kids to sleep every night too, and they love that too.

  • ZeldaMaster32

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 7:43 pm PT

    My dad plays Call of Duty 2 on my new 360. Me: I want to unlock some achievements dad. Dad: After I finish beating D-Day. *Sigh*

  • patton101

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 7:31 pm PT

    my dad hasnt played a game since we first got the Atari 2600. My mom hates them.

  • Viquist

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 7:05 pm PT

    My dad played Atari, and he played Nintendo with me... My mom was never into it at all but would watch me and my sister play Super Mario Bros. I'm now married and trying to get my wife to game... she's very very picky and only plays every once in a while... but she's really looking forward to the REV

  • mumotuma_man

    Posted Jan 26, 2006 6:24 pm PT

    My dad plays games... its fun until he starts hogging it... hes waaaay obsessed with battlefield 2: Modern Combat. so i guess gaming parents has ups and downs

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