It is hard to deny the fact that video games have become a popular pastime. According to Statista, the video game market was worth around 180 billion dollars in 2021. The number speaks for itself, and the projections for 2025 are somewhere around 270 billion.
Of course, the gaming industry is quite unique in the sense that there are different ways to play video games.
Some people prefer mobile gaming, whereas others would rather stick to gaming consoles. And then there are those who like to play video games on a computer.
Be it a custom-built desktop computer or a laptop; the overall gaming experience should be pretty great so long as the device is performing optimally. In case of issues, you can make the most out of the available tricks and tips to improve the computer's speed, which also affects the overall gaming experience.
Different approaches cater to different gaming needs. But why are games so popular? This article will try to answer the question.
Means to Socialize
Let's start with something that has become a big part of modern gaming—socializing with other players.
During the pandemic, quite a few people were stuck at home with nothing to do, and a lot turned to video games, and not just as a means of entertainment. No, video games also offer one an opportunity to socialize with other players.
It is common to play with friends, but even if you do not know anybody, there is always an opportunity to meet new people.
Of course, for that, you will need to play video games that actually encourage socialization. Single-player games have their advantages, but multiplayer video games are the go-to option for socializing.
A Way to Pass the Time
There are days when you have more free time on your hands than expected. Or maybe you need to kill an hour or two before an important event?
Regardless of the circumstances, a video game is a great way to quickly pass the time. You can launch a game and continue from your last save point. Or, if it is a multiplayer game, jump right in and play a couple of skirmishes before you log off.
Sometimes, there is no need to overthink it. If you are in the mood to disconnect from the real world and escape by slaying hordes of monsters or constructing landmarks, a video game is exactly what you need.
A Way to Learn and Improve
Learning something can be more fun and engaging if there is a catch attached to the learning method.
Video games can work as a way to educate. Sure, your first thought might be about kids, and it is no secret that there are quite a few educational games developed precisely for younger audiences.
On the other hand, you can also find value in them as an adult, particularly if there is a specific skill you want to learn or improve.
Take Minecraft, for instance. At first glance, the video game looks childish and offers cheap graphics. But in reality, it is one of the most successful video game IPs and excels in helping one channel their creativity.
And what about Wii games? If you are looking for a different way to get in shape, then one of the sports games on Wii sounds like something up your alley.
Entertainment as a Spectator
The last point to mention is from a relatively new perspective, at least when you consider how long the concept of video games has been around.
Esports is an industry on the rise. Thanks to titles like League of Legends, DOTA 2, Counter-Strike, Valorant, and Age of Empires, there are plenty of people who enjoy watching professional players competing in high-stake matches.
It is easy to get attached to a team and follow them. Or, if you prefer, you can also follow individual players because roster shuffles are quite common in esports.
The suggestion that esports are slowly replacing traditional sports is not that far-fetched. Young people who grew up playing video games are not against the concept of esports.
Add the fact that watching sports is becoming more and more expensive due to broadcasters' rising prices. Meanwhile, the biggest esports tournaments are available for free on Twitch TV.
How does video game popularity come into this from a casual player's perspective? Well, if you are watching esports and following particular video games, the odds are that you are also playing those games yourself.
Conclusion
All in all, there are quite a few different reasons behind the gaming industry's growth. Distinguishing one or two specific causes behind the popularity is difficult, but adding everything into a monolith makes it pretty clear why you have so many people playing video games.