Rise in US gamers aged 2-17 outstrips population growth in same group

New research shows that while the population growth of American 2-17 year olds has grown by 1.54 per cent, the gaming population in that same age group has increased by 12.68 per cent.

According The NPD Group, 91 per cent of 2-17 year old in American now play games, around 64 million children.

"Year-to-date through August 2011, kids comprised 44 percent of new physical software dollar sales, representing a vitally important consumer segment for the games industry," said analyst Anita Frazier.

"Knowing how kids are spending their gaming time and dollars in both traditional and non-traditional outlets is key to staying relevant to this highly engaged audience."

Unsurprisingly mobile devices saw the biggest rise for the 2-17 year old age group, rising from 8 per cent in 2009 to 38 per cent. Traditional handhelds went up from 38 per cent to 45 per cent.

The report, Kids and Gaming 2011, was based on an online survey taken between August 1-15 2011 by 4,136 young people aged between 2 and 17. Mothers assisted those unable to complete the survey alone.