The ESA announced during their 2012 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry report that roughly half of all American households have a game console. The number of smartphone game players has doubled since last year to 40 percent and the number that play on wireless devices has also doubled since 2011 to 26 percent.

“Games have evolved from a thing you buy to an experience enjoyed by a wide and diverse population everywhere, anytime, on any screen. This research reflects that new reality,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA. “The creativity of our developers and publishers produces an ever-expanding variety of games in different formats and across all platforms. Their innovations drive consumer demand for our products, solidifying our industry’s position as one of the strongest and most cutting-edge sectors in the American economy.”

33 percent of gamers said they play social games, while 15 percent said they pay to play online games and 62 percent says they play games with others in-person or online. The ESRB got high ratings as well, with 98 percent of parents saying the rating system is either very or somewhat helpful in choosing games for their children and 73 percent said they believe the parental controls available in all video game consoles are useful.

The report also stated that 42 percent of game players believe that computer and video games give them the most value for their money when compared to DVDs, music or going out to the movies. Consumers spent nearly $25 billion on game content, hardware and accessories in 2011.