Today's Importance of Video Games
By: Jonatan Campos
The magic of video games started in 1958, and they have evolved over time due to the vast gamer community. Medical News Today states that at a glance, more than 150 million people in the United States play video games regularly, or for at least three hours per week. The average American gamer is a 35-year-old adult, with 72% of gamers aged 18 or older. For video game use by children, most parents (71%) indicate that video games positively influence their child's life.
With the help of technological advances, they became a crucial part of the entertainment industry. In the way that Ejinsight considers that in 2019 the global games market is estimated to generate $152.1 billion from 2.5 billion gamers around the world. By comparison, the global box office industry was worth $41.7 billion, while global music revenues reached $19.1 billion in 2018. Having more resources allows video game creators to create more content and experiences for gamers.
Better experiences broaden positive expectations and this is what is happening with video games, having the primary focus on keeping the mind occupied. They develop many undiscovered abilities for most players. There are game categories based on puzzles, riddles, adventures and achievements; our brains react to many tasks that we must put into practice while playing a simple Tetris game.
Now, the reality is possible than ever as it exists platforms like Youtube, Facebook Gaming and Twitch, where streamers interact with followers while playing. This activity gives many opportunities to create jobs with people doing their favorite activities and earning revenues simultaneously. The creation of e-sports (electronic sports) brought and expanded the concept of a professional gamer. Also, they created special events that generate earnings as if it were a physical sport, and attracted more people of all ages to practice and improve an activity not very common in earlier times.
Forbes asked gamers worldwide about the benefits that video games bring, and over 40% said that they improve emotional well-being. That's a serious benefit if you consider that one in five people in America experiences mental health issues each year. This is a massive contrast to the standard view that playing video games lead to violence and other antisocial behavior, which is a view that 93% of gamers think is incorrect.
There is no doubt that the new experiences that video games create are just in their first stage. November is going to be the month that the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series will come out, so we must get ready for a more in-depth generation where players will be more involved than ever with better gameplay and graphics.