According to NPD group, a research firm, video gamers constitute nearly two thirds of the US population. These games are played on consoles, PC’s, handhelds, kids systems, iPods and other devices. This survey was done on 5,000 online participants.

The average number of hours of play per week was about the same as it was last year for most people. 30 percent each said they played more than and less than last year. The majority of 40 percent said that they played the same amount as last year.

The age group that indulged the most in games was males aged 18-34. They indulged in hardcore games mostly and not casual ones. At ages lower and higher than this, casual games were more common, which incidentally are also very popular with women.

One reason for the widespread playing of video games is cited to be the relieving of stress.

The newer games like Guitar Hero 3 have tickled a nerve among the general populace and have drawn many people into gaming. With the many entertainment options available it will be a constant challenge for video game companies to keep people playing video games according to an NPD analyst.