Online and Mobile Gaming — Not Just for Kids by Steve Blanshan

February 3, 2020


Online gaming is an activity that every generation can participate in—it’s not just for kids! Here, we explain how adults participate in online game playing.

Mobile Gaming Advertising

When you initially hear that 70% of college students state that they play video games on a fairly regular basis, you may be quick to dismiss this percentage as fake. But it’s very real- if you know someone between the ages of 18 and 22, the chances that they play online or mobile games are extremely high. Whether for a relaxing night in, a bonding night with friends, or an attempt to procrastinate on their studies, gaming is one of the most popular pastimes for university attendees.

College students aren’t the only adults who play video games- in fact, they don’t even constitute the majority. Here, we’re going to discuss some of the ways that different generations are into online gaming, how much they play, and what games are best if you’re a grown-up looking to begin your gaming journey.

Read on to learn how to have some fun at home!

Generational Gaming: The Cold, Hard Facts

It’s no secret that each generation of Americans holds their own trends, interests, and lingo close to their heart. Gaming is something that each generation has different beliefs about, but it also is very individual as different people like different things. A popular hobby with Americans of all ages, video games are the lifeblood of many people. Read on to learn about how gaming affects different age groups in the US!

How Much Do Different Age Groups Game?

People tend to think of playing video games as generational, believing that most gamers are teenagers and younger.

While children are the group that may immediately come to mind when you think of video games, the idea that online gaming is for children couldn’t be further than the truth. In fact, the average gamer is 31 years old– well into adulthood!

Only 29% of gamers are under age 18, meaning that the ‘video games are for children’ idea that adults have is blatantly false. Most people who play video games are out of high school and take their hobby incredibly seriously. They take it so seriously, in fact, that nearly a third of the adults who play games often admit that they would love to quit their day jobs so they could game professionally!

Sadly, this isn’t always possible, but gaming remains a part of the lives of these adults. 32% of gamers are between 18 and 35 years old. The remaining 39% are older than 35, a stark contrast to what most people think of when they imagine a gamer.

Therefore, while playing video games is indeed generational, it’s the opposite of what you might expect.

How Much Time Is Spent on Gaming?

People who regularly play video games spend an average of six hours a week playing. Many of these gamers prefer online games and mobile games, downloading apps and platforms like Steam to get their gaming fix. Overall, gamers between the ages of 18 and 35 are the ones who play the most often, spending about 7 hours a week playing their favorite games.

Not only that, but 55% of mobile gamers are willing to pay to download games, especially those they like. An additional 30% download a lot of games for free onto their cell phones and choose to watch advertisements instead of pay additional fees. Advertising to gamers is beneficial for all parties involved- not only do software developers get the word about their games out there, but gamers learn more about games that they may enjoy.

These mobile game downloaders- constituting 85% of the total US population- tend to spend an average of an hour and 20 minutes playing games on their phone or online in one sitting.

Awesome Online and Mobile Games for Adults: Our Recs

Now that you know that you’re not alone if you want to be an adult gamer- there’s no shame!- it’s time to talk about some of the best games you can play that will improve your memory, problem-solving skills, coordination, and general happiness (because these games rock.) Read on to learn the best online and mobile games on the market in 2020.

Mobile Gaming

If you want to download some games on your cell phone, you’re in luck. There are millions of games to download in the app store, so there’s definitely something out there you’ll love.

Puzzle games are extremely common on mobile devices. Tetris is one of our favorites, and it’s a classic for a reason. The concept is simple and the puzzles are challenging, flashy, and fun. Denki Blocks is another puzzle game having to do with geometric shapes. If you prefer a cult game with a colorful aesthetic, Candy Crush is incredibly popular and addictive.

Not all cell phone games are puzzles, though. As of 2020, you can download a Call of Duty mobile app as well as a few off-brand Sims games. Playing popular games on your cell phone is awesome because you can open the app anywhere. Whether in a waiting room, waiting for your child to be done with an event, or eating alone at a restaurant, you can have an immersive game experience.

Online Gaming

Online gaming is another popular way to play. Interactive games played with others, like the Mafia-inspired Town of Salem, are great for when you want a chaotic multiplayer experience. Other games that fall into this category are the simple agar.io and Duck Game.

For a solo experience, consider a #throwback to high school in the form of the Great Gatsby flash game. Even if you didn’t like your lit class, it’s a really fun game where you destroy monsters and dodge obstacles to reach the stunning Jay Gatsby. Metroidvania games are among the best out there, and there are places online that you can find classics like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Just do your research and you’ll find something awesome!

Get Started With Online Gaming

Now that you know the demographics of online gaming and have a few sites to get you started, it’s time to get in touch with us about placing your business ads into a game of the right demographic for your services. Contact us to get some more information on advertising to gamers as well as tips on how to become a gamer yourself.

Good luck leveling up!