In 2021, it was reported that the age distribution of U.S. gamers was 20% under 18 years old, 38% were in between 18 and 34 years old, 14% were in between 35 and 44 years old, 12% were in between 45 and 54 years old, 9% were in between 55 and 64 years old, and 7% were 65 years old or over. I am in that 7% category.
Video gaming in the United States is one of the fastest-growing entertainment industries in the country. According to a 2020 study released by the Entertainment Software Association, The yearly economic output of the American video game industry in 2019 was $90.3 billion. supporting over 429,000 American jobs. With an average yearly salary of about $121,000, the latter figure includes over 143,000 individuals who are directly employed by the video game business. Additionally, activities connected to the video game business generate $12.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes each year.[1] World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025 the American gaming industry will reach $42.3 billion while the worldwide gaming industry will possibly reach US$270 billion.
In other words, gaming is a big business and hobby for millions.
I started gaming back in the '70s. The first time I saw Pong I was hooked. Then when Space Invaders came out I spent way too many quarters in that box. I still game quite often today. I can zone out for a while and relax. I am mostly into sports games and simulations.
Professional Gaming is big business:
In countries like South Korea, professional gamers can earn millions. They join teams and will practice many hours a day under the eye of coaches. They will fill huge arenas to watch the matches. The documentary video below shows just how crazy eSports can be.
Another huge market is game streaming on Twitch. Some of the full-time streamers will earn $7,000 a month just sitting in their bedroom playing a game and allowing people to watch. The biggest stars will earn much more.
PewDiePie is one of the wealthiest game streamers and his estimated net worth is 40 to 50 million dollars. He currently has 111 million subscribers to his YouTube channel. To put that in perspective, the Super Bowl typically has a