The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant increase in gaming activity, with a 45% rise in popularity, due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. Mobile and online gaming have become the most popular forms of gaming, with developers creating more mobile-friendly games to cater to this trend. Esports has also been affected by the pandemic, but experts predict that the industry will rebound as physical events resume. Overall, the pandemic has caused a shift in gaming habits and trends, which will likely have a long-lasting impact on the gaming industry.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Gaming: Habits and Trends
Introduction
The ongoing global pandemic has significantly affected people’s daily lives, including their leisure activities. As lockdowns and social distancing measures continue to be implemented to contain the spread of the virus, more people turned to gaming as a form of entertainment and a way to connect with others. This shift in gaming habits and trends has had a significant impact on the gaming industry.
Increase in Gaming Activity
According to a report by Nielsen, gaming activity has increased by 45% during the pandemic. This increase is partly due to the fact that people had more free time while being stuck at home. Many people also turned to gaming as a way to stay connected and socialize with friends and family members while practicing social distancing. The report also suggests that the pandemic has brought in new gamers who were previously not into gaming.
Shift to Mobile and Online Gaming
As people are spending more time at home, mobile and online gaming have seen a surge in popularity. Mobile gaming has become the most popular form of gaming during the pandemic, with games like Among Us and PUBG Mobile gaining immense popularity. Online multiplayer games like Fortnite and Call of Duty have also seen an increase in player base as people look for ways to connect with others while staying home. This shift to mobile and online gaming has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, with more game developers focusing on creating mobile-friendly games.
Impact on Esports
Esports has been one of the most affected industries during the pandemic. With most physical events canceled due to the pandemic, esports has shifted to online platforms, with events being broadcasted online. Although esports has seen a significant increase in viewership during the pandemic, the lack of physical events has impacted the industry’s revenue. This has also affected the players, who have lost out on opportunities to participate in physical events and earn a living through prize money.
The Future of Gaming Post-Pandemic
The pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on the gaming industry, as it has forced people to adopt new habits and trends. With the pandemic slowly coming to an end, it remains to be seen what the future of gaming will look like. Many experts predict that the shift to mobile and online gaming will continue, as people have become accustomed to these forms of entertainment. Esports is also expected to rebound as physical events resume, and people can experience the excitement of watching their favorite players live.