New research has found that 68 percent of American households play videogames, representing a three percent increase over 2008.

According to the ESA’s Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry 2009 report, 42 percent of American homes have a game console, the average age of game players is 35 years old, and 43 percent of online game players are female.

“This is the new golden age of entertainment software. Our products are now being enjoyed by over two-thirds of Americans,” said ESA CEO Michael Gallagher. “More and more Americans across all demographics are now embracing the interactive entertainment experience that computer and videogames provide.”

The research, conducted on behalf of the ESA by Ipsos MediaCT, gathered data from almost 1,200 nationally representative households.