Unable to go out due to COVID-19, 3/4 of the US population choose to stay at home to play games

According to an NPD survey, 240 million Americans (about a quarter of the country’s population) currently spend time playing games. video games. This is a huge increase compared to 2018 (32 million) and analysts say Covid-19 pandemic is the reason behind this sudden increase.

The NPD study also showed an increase in the use of multiple gaming device than. 65% gamer now use one device more than 59% in 2018. The increase in sales game console over the past 6 months help validate this statistic. Not only many people gaming but now gamers also spend more time playing games. Gamers now spend about 14 hours a week playing games, up 2 hours from 2018. Those who play less than 5 hours a week have decreased by 8%, while those who play more than 15 hours a week have increased by 6%. .

According to US game analyst Matt Piscatella: “Growth in both player numbers across all segments, as well as time spent playing games or viewing game-related content, reflects the diversity of gaming experiences regardless of device, preference or budget”. Not surprisingly, gaming has become one of the primary means by which society has used to stay connected during this sensitive time.

When Sony and Microsoft prepare game console release new, it is assumed that both companies hope that an increase in the number of people playing the game will lead to higher sales. Games like The Last of Us: Part II and Animal Crossing: New Horizons sold more than expected, in part because people had been “locked up” in their homes for months. Both platforms are launching big game this fall like Halo: Infinite and Spiderman: Miles Morales.

It is a fact that many Americans cannot afford to buy new consoles when the price is rumored to be around $500. Also, with many online games like Fortnite announced as playable on older generation consoles, users may feel unmotivated to purchase the next generation console.​