The average gamer is 35, married, earns £23k a year - and is glued to their console for up to 12 hours a week, a study has revealed. Researchers found that, while the stereotypical gamer is a student with plenty of time on their hands, it is actually settled, working Brits who are most likely to unwind playing video games.
Typically, they will spend around two and a half hours a day, five days a week, in front of their console, and regularly stay up until around 11pm gaming.
It also emerged gamers own two different consoles, 18 games and take around a month to complete one game.
And female gamers spend just as much time indulging in their video game hobby as their male counterparts, the study found.
A spokesman for gamers' social media network Pixwoo, which commissioned the research, said:
''The image most people have of a gamer is usually a young boy, holed up for hours in end in their bedroom, only stopping the game for food, drink and toilet breaks.
''But these results show that the stereotype couldn't be more wrong.
''Not only are women just as likely to be gamers as men, but we are talking about fully grown adults who work, have a family and are in a relationship.
''Gaming is no longer something reserved just for children and young adults. There are so many different types of games and consoles to play them on that there is something for all ages.
''There is a thriving gaming community with many people even having friends they have met online through their game-playing.''
The study, of 2,000 Brits who consider themselves a 'gamer', found that they will spend a total of 12 hours and 32 minutes playing on some kind on console each week.
But researchers found that the hobby isn't always good news for relationships, with the average gamer rowing with their partner twice a week over their pastime.
More than one in twenty of those in relationships say it is a constant source of their rows, while 15% have broken up with someone because of it.
More than three quarters even admitted they don't think they will ever grow out of their love for computer games.
While the games are usually switched off by 11pm, gamers often stay up until the early hours engrossed in their contests.
They will also spend, on average, four hours queuing for a new game at a midnight store opening once a year.
It also revealed that gamers have one child, work an average of 32 hours a week and drive a Ford, Vauxhall or BMW.
The study also found the average video game fan has five online friends in the gaming community, with 29% saying they have met at least one of those face-to-face.
And while a third say they are most like to play games with 'real-life' friends in the same room, almost a quarter tend to play with friends remotely.
Almost one in five usually play with 'online friends' they have got to know through the gaming community.
Just under half also discuss their games and search for hints and cheats on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
It also emerged that the Wii is the most popular console to own, followed by a PlayStation 3 and an Xbox 360.
And 44% will definitely be treating themselves to either a PlayStation 4, Xbox One or a new PC within the next 12 months.
A spokesman for Pixwoo added:
''This snapshot into the lives of ordinary gamers disputes many myths about the pastime, showing how integrated gaming is into our daily routine.
''Pixwoo is launching am iPhone and Android app for gamers to share their passion among friends old and new, offering a place to talk about games without being bothered by aspects of other social networks, like pictures of what people are having for dinner.''
The average gamer will:
* Play computer games five days a week, for 2 hours and 32 minutes each day.
* Will stay up until 10.58pm playing games
* Has stayed up until 1.12am on occasion
* Owns two different consoles
* Owns 18 games
* Can complete a game in four-and-a-half weeks
* Will go to a midnight opening for a new game once a year, spending four hours queuing each time
* Has two rows a week with their partner about gaming
* Has five online friends in the gaming community
* Is 35 years old
* Earns £23,244 a year
* Is married or in a relationship
* Has one child
* Drives a Ford, Vauxhall or BMW
* Works almost 32 hours a week
