The average age of video gamers is the mid to late 30s and there are more women over 55 playing games than there are boys under the age of 18.
That’s part of the research data from a computer science professor at the University of Saskatchewan who is studying how the design of multiplayer video games can promote positive or harmful social interactions.
She explains that those who began gaming as children are continuing to do so as adults, which is why the average age is higher than most people might guess, and more women are playing because although there are females who play the war games, they aren’t the only types of games out there.
Multiplayer games range from war games to sports to crosswords with friends.
Regan Mandryk’s goal is to develop tools for game designers to maximize social well being.
She says many people game because it’s a chance to interact with family and friends whether you are in the room together or across the world.
Mandryk says it is incumbent upon scientists to understand what effect game play has on our development and social interactions, and as a designer, she also wants to take gaming to new places it hasn’t been yet.