ESA Poll Challenges Stereotypical Gamer Profile

The trade organization the Entertainment Software Association has released a new poll that challenges what they see as the stereotypical image of a game player: obese, pasty, and antisocial. Instead, claims the ESA with the aid of data collected by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, the average gamer takes a healthy interest in the community, sports, and religion. According to the survey's findings, those who play games spend over three times the amount of hours playing games on other activities, such as "exercising or playing sports, volunteering in the community, reading, or engaging in religious, creative, and cultural activities." The average amount of time devoted to socially constructive pursuits averaged out to 23.4 hours per week, as opposed to 6.8 hours on games. Specifically combating charges that gaming contributes to America's obesity problem, the survey results show that 79 percent of respondents spend an average of 20 hours per month playing sports or exercising. Other statistics showed that 45 percent of respondents volunteer an average of 5.4 hours per month; 61 percent spend several hours per month attending religious services; 93 percent read books or newspapers; 50 percent spend time with creative outlets such as painting, writing, or playing an instrument; and 94 percent keep up on current events. The poll was conducted in September 2004 and surveyed a random sample of 802 adults.