Introduction

A recent study conducted by gaming market research firm Newzoo has offered a comprehensive look at the state of the gaming industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report has revealed some intriguing statistics regarding the ways in which the pandemic has impacted gaming habits across the world.

Key Findings

The study found that:

• Global gaming revenue has increased by 9.3% year-on-year to reach $159.3 billion in 2020.
• There has been an increase in overall player numbers around the world, with the industry now boasting 2.7 billion gamers globally.
• The number of hours spent gaming has gone up by over 13% during the pandemic, with games like Fortnite and Among Us seeing a surge in popularity due to people spending more time at home.
• The shift towards cloud gaming and mobile gaming has seen a significant increase in revenue and overall popularity, with many casual gamers opting for cheaper and more accessible gaming options.

Implications

The rise in gaming activity has potential implications for various industries. For example, the report suggests that businesses could tap into this growing market by advertising through in-game sponsorships, since players are spending more time in front of their screens than ever before. However, the study also notes that gaming addiction and strained relationships could become potentially dangerous byproducts of increased gaming activity during the pandemic, highlighting the need for increased awareness and regulation.

Conclusion

The pandemic has dramatically altered how people spend their time, with gaming emerging as a popular form of entertainment among individuals of all ages. The Newzoo study suggests that this trend is likely to continue well beyond the end of the pandemic, with gaming poised to become an even bigger part of people’s lives than ever before.