Mark Androvich 17:49 (BST)
28/05/2008

According to research compiled by Nielsen Games, the European Union is the second-largest videogaming territory in the world.

Gaming generated EUR 7.3 billion (USD 11.4 billion) in the European Union during 2007, compared with EUR 7.4 billion (USD 11.5 billion) in Asia and EUR 6.9 billion (USD 10.7 billion) in the United States.

The average age of a gamer in the UK is 33 – the highest out of the territories surveyed - and 42 per cent of UK game players have children.

Across Europe, 81 per cent of parents say that they enjoy playing games with their children.

Of those polled, 72 per cent found gaming "a fun way to spend time" - compared to 68 per cent for television and cinema - and 57 per cent believe that gaming "stimulates the imagination" - compared to 48 per cent for movies and 35 per cent for television.

The research also revealed that 93 per cent of Europeans recognise the PEGI age rating labels.

"This research confirms what the industry has realised for a long time - gaming is now enjoyed by an incredibly diverse audience," said ELSPA managing director Michael Rawlinson.

"And the UK is a particularly mature market – we have the oldest, most passionate gamers across Europe.

"The fact that gamers are growing up and enjoying gaming with their children illustrates the enduring nature of the medium. It’s fair to say that, compared to other forms of entertainment, games are doing well."

The research, entitled Videogamers in Europe – 2008, was compiled by Nielsen Games based upon surveys of 6000 active gamers, aged 16-49, across 15 countries: the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Benelux, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Czech Republic, Poland and Latvia.