- Gaming culture has gradually become more and more mainstream.
- Many people hold the belief that playing video games has emotional benefits.
- Play-to-earn games are a new category of games that are growing in popularity.
Gaming culture is no longer just for kids. It has permeated every age group, with millennials being the most entrenched in it. According to BanklessTimes.com, “The average millennial gamer is playing games for 13 hours per week, which is more than any other age group.”
This is a considerable amount of time spent playing games and is not just limited to millennials. Gen Z gamers are close behind them, averaging 11 hours per week. This clearly indicates that the gaming culture is here to stay and is only getting bigger.
Speaking on the data, the CEO of BanklessTimes.com, Jonathan Merry, said.
BanklessTimes CEO, Jonathan MerryThis is an overwhelmingly positive sign for the future of gaming. It shows that there is a real appetite for gaming content among young people, and that they are willing to invest their time in it. This is good news for the gaming industry, as it indicates that there is a growing market for their products. However, it also means that traditional entertainment TV platforms may have trouble keeping up with gaming and social media among younger viewers.
Gaming Culture Is Climbing; What’s the Motivation?
The reasons people turn to gaming are many and varied. For some, it is simply a form of entertainment. They enjoy spending their time playing games and find it to be an enjoyable way to relax. For others, it is a way to socialize and connect with friends.
Many people also hold that playing video games has emotional benefits. According to a study by the University of Rochester, “Action video game playing is associated with improved perceptual, attentional, and cognitive abilities.”
The majority of gamers are into it for mental stimulation. However, most Gen Zers hold that they play to pass the time. Both, Millennials and Gen Z play to hit and surpass milestones.
Although 37% of Gen Xers enjoy being challenged, it is not their primary motivation to play. Moreover, 42% of Baby Boomers enjoy playing casual games at their speed.
Millennials are equally divided between action/adventure and open-world games (18% each). Yet, the other groups devote the most time to action/adventure games.
Connecting With Like-Minded Gamers
Social media platforms such as Twitch and Steam have encouraged the rise of gaming culture. These platforms allow gamers to connect and share their gaming experiences. They have also created a space for professional gamers to compete against each other in tournaments. This has helped to make gaming more popular and accepted in mainstream culture.
The popularity of social media platforms has also fueled the rise of mobile gaming, allowing gamers to connect and share their gaming experiences. The most played game is Call of Duty, followed by Minecraft. These games are interactive and involve players socializing as they battle each other.
Play- to Earn- Gaming
The recent rise in the popularity of cryptocurrency has also had an impact on the gaming industry. The concept of “play-to-earn” has emerged, which allows gamers to earn cryptocurrency by playing games. This is a new way for people to make money from playing games, and it will likely become more popular in the future.