165 million Americans played video games in 2012

The United States represents the biggest core of video game players in the Western world, according to a new study from Game Track with help from research firm Ipsos nMediaCT.

The study surveyed 6,000 people in each of five countries and found that 68 percent of Americans, or 165 million people, play video games. Compare that to 49 percent of French citizens (about 29 million) and roughly 35 percent of U.K. citizens (20 million).

Here in the U.S., the central gaming audience isn't age-specific. While 22 percent of children 18 years or younger play games on digital, mobile, and packaged games (for console and PC), 17 percent of adults play all three as well.

Online games, however, are now the dominant force in the U.S. at nearly 48 percent of players compared to 42 percent who play packaged games (of the 165 million). Titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops II represent a crossover in both online and packaged games. Others are restricted to online-only play, including browser games and those on social networks, or are downloadable titles and apps (versus those at retail).

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[Digital Trends via GamesIndustry International]