The ESA recently took a survey on young U.S. gamers on topics like how many homes have video game consoles, how old the average gamer is, and how much parents actually think video games help their children's lives. WARNING: some results may be shocking!

"This new data underscores the fundamental principle that computer and video games are a mainstream entertainment form, which captures the imagination of every segment of our society," said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, the U.S. association representing computer and video game publishers. "No longer is there a stereotypical gamer. With deeper market penetration and the broadening of our audience base, video games have incorporated themselves into America's cultural and social fabric."

Among the survey's main findings:

-65 percent of American households play computer and video games;

-38 percent of American homes have a video game console;

-The average game player is 35 years old;

-One out of four gamers are over age 50;

-Women age 18 or older represent a significantly greater portion of the game-playing population (33 percent) than boys age 17 or younger (18 percent); and,

-41 percent of Americans expect to purchase one or more games this year.

-The new research also shows how involved parents are in the way their children buy, rent and play games:

-94 percent of parents are present when games are purchased or rented;

-88 percent of parents report always or sometimes monitoring the games their children play; and,

-63 percent of parents believe games are a positive part of their children's lives.

Chad and Protoman via videogames.yahoo.com »