A new study by the NPD Group has discovered that gamers are now playing video games for an average of seven hours per week more than they did six years ago, despite spending 19% less on games than they did a year ago. The rise of free-to-play games, where players can play without payment but may choose to make in-game purchases, has been cited as a reason for the declining spend. The study suggests that the gaming industry must adapt to the changes in consumer behaviour and create more free-to-play games and monetise e-sports events, among other things.
Gamers Spending More Time Playing, but Spending Less on Games, According to New Study
Introduction
A recent study conducted by the NPD Group, a market research company, has found that gamers are spending more time playing video games than in the past, but are spending less money on games. This may have significant implications for the gaming industry moving forward.
Key Findings of the Study
- Gamers are playing an average of seven hours per week more than they did six years ago.
- The average amount spent on gaming has decreased by 19% over the past year.
- The percentage of gamers purchasing physical copies of games has dropped 16% since 2010.
- More than 80% of gamers use their smartphones to play games, up from 57% in 2013.
Possible Reasons for the Shift
One theory for the decrease in spending is the rise of free-to-play games, where gamers can play without paying a cent but have the option to make in-game purchases. This model has been successful for many mobile games, but has also made its way into the console and PC gaming worlds.
Another contributing factor could be the growing popularity of esports, where players can compete for prize money and prestige without purchasing any games at all. Esports has grown tremendously in recent years and is now recognized as an official sport in some countries.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
The study suggests that the gaming industry will need to adapt to these changes in consumer behavior. One way to do this is by creating more free-to-play games and implementing in-game purchases. However, developers will also need to ensure that these purchases are not seen as necessary to enjoy the game, or they risk alienating players.
Another approach could be to focus on other revenue streams, such as monetizing esports events or offering additional services like game streaming or coaching services for a fee.
Conclusion
The NPD Group study on gaming habits indicates that gamers are playing more but spending less on games, a shift that could have significant consequences for the industry. As gamers’ habits evolve, it will be important for developers and publishers to understand and accommodate these changes to remain relevant.