It's official: two per cent of gamers are neither male nor female, leading us to believe that this small yet significant section of the gaming demographic is either hermaphrodite, represents a species further down the evolutionary pyramid or is perhaps of silicon-based extraterrestrial origin.

That's according to the ESA (Entertainment Software Association) 2005 report into the state of the industry - enticingly entitled "ESA'S 2005 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry" - which is available right here (PDF):

That's right - page five blows the lid on the astounding truth. We look forward to more ESA revelations in the future, including the earth-shattering insight that 37 per cent of analysts cannot operate an electronic calculator, 41 per cent cannot successfully proofread a document and the remaining 24 per cent are concealing the chilling truth that the lower mammalian orders have developed a penchant for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Fascinating stuff. ®

Bootnote

Thanks to reader Matt for giving it 110 per cent in finding this statistical gem.