The number of gamers in older demographics has more than doubled since 2007, according to recently-published information by a consumer technology research firm, citing games that include Rovio's Angry Birds.
The statistic comes as part of a report by Parks Associates called Mobile/Portable Gaming: Market Update, which claims to show that mobile devices have contributed significantly to an expanding game-playing demographic.
"Traditional game companies have expressed concerns about mobile gaming devaluing the market, but in reality, mobile gaming has increased the overall user base and attracted new demographics," said analyst Pietro Macchiarella.
"The broad appeal of mobile games such as Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, and Words With Friends and increasing ease with which people can download them have attracted less traditional gamers, including a growing number of older players and females."
In addition, Parks' research also suggests that two-thirds of smartphone users regularly play games on their phones, and that over one-third of the United States population over the age of 13 plays a mobile game every month.
The firm also credits market penetration of smartphones and tablets, app store competition, and better payment methods (including free-to-play) as other factors driving gameplay growth.
That demographic was always there- there just happens to be more games aimed in its direction now.
People who's digital gaming was previously limited to Minesweeper, Windows Solitaire and Free Cell can now play games just as casual as that on their cellphone. (That doesn't describe everyone in that demographic, but I guarantee it describes some of them.)
This is not a bad thing. As a game designer this can triple the work available to the game industry. The software developers from the consoles can begin making games for mobile devices. Just as Bethasda softworks has done with Dragon Age playing there Facebook app prompted me to go out and by Dragon Age 2.
People who's digital gaming was previously limited to Minesweeper, Windows Solitaire and Free Cell can now play games just as casual as that on their cellphone. (That doesn't describe everyone in that demographic, but I guarantee it describes some of them.)