Report: Mobile Games More Than Doubled Older Gamer Demographic Since 2007

The number of gamers in older demographics has more than doubled since 2007, according to recently-published information by a consumer technology research firm, citing games that include Rovio's Angry Birds. The statistic comes as part of a report by Parks Associates called Mobile/Portable Gaming: Market Update, which claims to show that mobile devices have contributed significantly to an expanding game-playing demographic. "Traditional game companies have expressed concerns about mobile gaming devaluing the market, but in reality, mobile gaming has increased the overall user base and attracted new demographics," said analyst Pietro Macchiarella. "The broad appeal of mobile games such as Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, and Words With Friends and increasing ease with which people can download them have attracted less traditional gamers, including a growing number of older players and females." In addition, Parks' research also suggests that two-thirds of smartphone users regularly play games on their phones, and that over one-third of the United States population over the age of 13 plays a mobile game every month. The firm also credits market penetration of smartphones and tablets, app store competition, and better payment methods (including free-to-play) as other factors driving gameplay growth. The full report is available here.