Play Video Games? Here’s What the Data Says About You

Jul 8, 2026 | 0 comments

 

Video games have been a form of entertainment for decades. And during that time, those who play video games have developed a reputation for the way they move through the world. But are these assumptions true? And how do video game players really stack up to the perception? CivicScience has the data to answer these questions.
Currently, more than half (51%) of Americans play video games, with 55% of gamers playing frequently and 45% playing infrequently. Gen Z adults outpace all other age groups in video gaming frequency (63%). Income also plays a role, as low-income earners lead all others by at least 3 percentage points in frequent video game play.

Of course, this demographic data is just the first level of what makes frequent video gamers stand out from their infrequently playing counterparts. The data paint an interesting picture:

Soccer Viewership: While 17% of frequent gamers say they watch soccer on TV a few times a week, just eight percent of infrequent gamers say the same. 

Hosting: Those who consider themselves frequent gamers are nine percentage points more likely to host parties or social gatherings with family and friends at least twice a week than those who play video games less frequently (15% vs 6%). 

AI Use: Frequent gamers are nearly three times as likely as infrequent gamers to use artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT on a daily basis (20% vs 7%). 

TikTok Shop Customers: While 31% of frequent gamers have used TikTok Shop, just 22% of infrequent gamers say the same. 

Sunscreen Habits: Those who play video games frequently are six percentage points more likely to wear sunscreen daily than those who play video games infrequently (18% vs 12%). 

Where do you stand? Take this poll now and see how your preference compares with other Americans:

 

As the data show, how often you play video games reveals more than just your free-time preferences. It sheds light on a variety of other consumer behaviors that reach far beyond the screen. 

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This article’s data comes solely from CivicScience’s database, which contains nearly 700,000 poll questions and 5 billion consumer insights.

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