Playing popular video games could have a positive impact on mental health, according to new research.
The study was carried out by Lero, which is Science Foundation Ireland's Centre for Software.
It says the average age of a gamer is 34 years old.
Lero researcher Dr Mark Campbell says gaming has had many positive influences.
He says the idea of a young boy playing games alone in his room is a very outdated one.
In fact, 41% of gamers are actually female, and it shows the landscape is really changing.
Dr Campbell says gaming gives people opportunities to practice communication and teamwork to achieve group objectives.
