ESA survey says adult gamers lead active lives

A survey sponsored by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) appears to dispel the myth that American video game players are sedentary and overweight. Yesterday's report finds that a majority of adult gamers are pretty well-rounded: They also exercise regularly, volunteer, attend religious services, read, visit museums, and vote.

The study, conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates and paid for by E3 owners the ESA, randomly polled 802 adults in September of 2004. Among those who spent 6.8 or more hours a week playing games, 79 percent exercise or play sports an average of 20 hours per month. Ninety-three percent read books or newspapers; 62 percent go to concerts, museums, or the theater; 94 percent follow current news; 78 percent vote in most elections; 61 percent engage in religious activities several hours a month; 50 percent paint, write, or play a musical instrument; and 45 percent volunteer an average of 5.4 hours each month.

"Those who continue to portray the game population as single-minded loafers are living in their own fantasy world," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the ESA.

Lowenstein countered accusations that video games are contributing to Americans' growing waistlines. "Obesity is a serious national problem with no easy answers. But it is good to know that so many gamers exercise and are involved in sports, and that their love for games has not made them sedentary." However, the ESA survey doesn't directly address gamers' obesity levels.

The survey also didn't ask teens about their activities. Maybe that's because, according to stats provided by the ESA, the average video game player is 29 years old, while just 30 percent of gamers are under 18. In 2003, 94 percent of game buyers and 84 percent of console buyers were over 18.