On average, a gamer spends 14.5 hours a week playing video games, whether on mobile, PC or console, according to a new report by US-based analytics firm Circana.

The average American gamer uses three different devices, although 92% of gamers play on their smartphone or tablet. Gamers spend 8.1 hours a week playing games on their smartphones or tablets – 1.1 hours more than in 2022.

Among PC gamers (51%), gaming time remained stable at 4.6 hours a week, while console gamers (50%) increased their time by almost two hours to 10.2 hours a week.

For the purposes of this research, 5,100 gamers were surveyed between May and June. Adults aged 18 and over shared their own experiences, while minors aged 10-17 completed the questionnaire alone or with the help of their parents. In the case of children aged two, their parents completed the questionnaire on their behalf.

The findings show that 37% of gamers are aged 45 and over, representing the largest share of any population group. The report underlines that women and an increased interest in console gaming have largely contributed to this trend.

“Gen Alpha is less engaged than you might think. Children aged 2-12 had the most significant decline of any age group, down by 6% since 2022.

“On the other hand, while average video-game spending for teens and young adults is down slightly, these young players remain the industry’s most valuable age group in terms of both time and money spent,” the analysis reads.

“During the pandemic, we saw a surge in incidental players who added gaming to their routines as public activities were put on hold; however, since then, many of these players have reversed course as life returned to normal,” a Circana representative outlined.

“Despite a decline in overall player numbers, what stands out in today’s gaming landscape is that the most dedicated gamers have stayed – and they’re spending both more time and money in the experience. Adapting to today’s new and more mature market will be necessary to avoid another stumble.”