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Once Viewed as a Kid Phenomenon, the Number of People, Over the Age of 18, Who Actively Play Video Games, Continues to Grow at an Astonishing Rate

The article takes a look at the growing trend of video game players. It has been estimated that the majority of video games purchases are made by individuals averaging 40 years in age.

Stafford, VA (PRWEB) January 15, 2007 -- What do adults do with their free time? In a report released by The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), "Sixty-nine percent of American heads of households play computer and video games." It seems as though the days of relaxing with good book and a cup of coffee are being replaced with a game console or computer. We have truly entered the "Age of the Video Game". ESB estimates that U.S. computer and video game software sales grew four percent in 2005 to $7 billion -- a more than doubling of industry software sales since 1996. The average age of the most frequent game buyer is 40 years old. In 2006, 93 percent of computer game buyers and 83 percent of console game buyers were over the age of 18.

Should parents be concerned that their child might become addicted to video game playing? As with anything, it depends on who you ask, but according to ESA, sixty-one percent of parents with children under the age of 18 say that computer and video games are a positive addition to their children's lives. Among "gamer parents", 80% report that they play video games with their children, and two-thirds (66%) feel that playing games has brought their families closer together. Gamer parents with child gamers in their household spend 9.1 hours a month playing games with their kids. If you are looking for a new way to bond with your child, video games might be just the answer, but be aware that video games are tailored for different age groups, so to avoid any embarrassment, parents should check the game ratings prior to purchasing.

Do video games facilitate or hinder critical thinking skills? In his article, "What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy,” Professor James Paul Gee states, "Video games have the potential to lead to active and critical learning. In fact, I believe that they often have a greater potential than much learning in school." Professor Gee, like so many others recognizes the benefit of actively engaging the mind while working through the problem solving scenarios presented in video games. Games of strategy are particularly good platforms for introducing problem solving scenarios; however, careful consideration should be given to the content available to young viewers. Video games should not be used as a way to silence a child; proper adult supervision is a key ingredient, to ensure that the entire family benefits from gaming.

As we move forward in this new age, it is important to come to grips with the fact that video games are here to stay. Now is the time to harness the vast opportunity for developing our cognitive skills through gaming. Accept it or not, the "Age of the Video Game" is here.

The Language and Video Game Zone an Online supplier of video games and language software. The business is 100% e-commerce. To learn more, visit http://www.thelanguagezone.com or contact Reginald Hairston, Owner, at (540) 841-5238.

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