How Has Gaming Increased In Popularity As A Result Of Covid?

The gaming industry has become hugely popular throughout the course of the lockdown as the number of people inside on their phones, computers and consoles has increased. But with the pandemic has come to the delays to production as well as several new gamers looking for the best tech for the best gaming experience, but how else has it affected the industry? In this article, we will be providing you with insight into how Covid has impacted the gaming industry for the foreseeable future.

Gaming Before The Pandemic

When looking at the world of gaming as a whole has been on the upwards trend for several years now as new technology has continued to provide new opportunities for many of the gamers around the world. With a total of two billion pounds spent on digital and online games in the UK, the industry was beginning to expand and grow in the last 10 years gaming as a whole has continued to be at the forefront of the media.

Alongside the growth of mobile gaming has also come the increased number of gamers and the rise in E-sports. With the likes of Jacksepticeye, PewDiePie and many others leading the way when it comes to gaming content online, they have played a significant role in increasing the number of gamers as people see games and want to play them as a well. This has not only helped the marketing of these games, but they and other influencers have also helped to create industry trends and showcase not only triple-A titles but smaller indie games to a much larger audience.

The Rise Of Online Gaming Throughout Quarantine

With the industry being driven by influencers and marketing strategies it is no surprise to many that the world of gaming expanded greatly with more of us spending more time indoors. With the Nintendo Switch selling out everywhere and many picking up games such as Animal crossing, Among Us and Fall Guys throughout the beginning of the lockdown period, gaming has become a way to pass the time not just for children, but for the whole family. The lockdown has led to a huge boom in the industry as many are turning to video games on PC and Console to replace the human interaction that we have lost as a result of lockdowns. With many playing together and spending more time than ever talking over the internet, this has presented many opportunities for gamers as well as the developers as a whole.

In addition to this, the implementation of Google Stadia and other cloud-based gaming elements also helping to increase gaming capabilities not only on PC but also mobile devices, gaming is becoming more accessible to those that have not previously played games. Whether it is a simple game such as Candy Crush or a game such as Need For Speed on your mobile device, mobile gaming has become significantly more popular than ever before alongside the traditional PC and console gaming as most people experience a rise in screen time as a result.

The Rise Of Mobile Gaming And Online Videogames Rooms

With many of us having mobile devices that have the capability to play online without overheating, the need for a console or PC device is a thing of the past. With mobile gaming expanding to new heights with the implementation of the Game Pass On Samsung devices. This has taken mobile gaming to new heights allowing for triple-A titles and even more indie games to be played on your beloved mobile device using the cloud.

Cloud software implementation on mobile devices has also revolutionised the world of online gambling and online casinos. With the absence of physical casinos as a result of lockdown, many have been looking for the best online slots to play either alone or with their friends. As a result of this surge in online traffic, online casinos and online slots have seen a 25% increase in the number of bets placed throughout 2020 and the pandemic. With this being an upwards trend that we are set to see in 2021.

The Implementations On Video Game Manufactures

Though the industry has continued to boom throughout the course of the pandemic, there have been several limitations that have presented themselves when it comes to the manufacturing of consoles as well as sourcing computer parts to keep up with supply and demand as a result. This has led to many delays that have made the news for a number of negative reasons such as the delays and issues with Xbox series X issues and the manufacturing of popular games such as Cyberpunk that has since been remove from PlayStation Store. While the industry has gained in popularity, these issues have continued as developers are unable to return to the office and teams have been separated to working remotely causing delays on popular titles such as Halo and other leading games.

With this in mind, the video game industry is continuing to escalate as people now more than ever are being introduced to E-sports and other elements of gaming at this time. How do you think that the industry will continue to change in the next 5 years?

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.