What Is a Gamer?
Generally, the term gamer is used to describe a person who plays video games. A gamer’s profile will vary from one gamer to the next, but they will share common traits. Most gamers will fit into at least one of the following categories.
A gamer is a proactive hobbyist who plays a wide range of games. They might play skill-based card games or interactive role-playing games. They might also be part of a professional team or broadcaster. They may live stream their gaming adventures or upload videos after the fact. The average gamer spends around a few hours a week playing a variety of video games.
The video game industry has seen significant growth over the past decade. A recent study from Statista found that there were 3,24 billion video gamers worldwide. This number is expected to rise 6% annually between 2020 and 2024. The numbers are staggering, considering that a large portion of the gaming population is made up of children and adults. In the US, 214 million people play a video game at some point in their lives.
The most obvious reason that a gamer would play is for the entertainment value. A gamer might be interested in a game because it’s a great way to kill time or to improve their mental health. Some players play for competition, or to increase their self-esteem. Others play for a sense of belonging. Other gamers play to hone their skills or to relax. Some players play to improve their memory and speed of processing information.
A gamer’s profile can also be influenced by environmental and interpersonal factors. The average age of a gamer is increasing, with many gaming enthusiasts starting in their late teens and continuing on into their early 30s. The UKIE, the UK’s leading association for interactive entertainment, estimates that women will make up approximately half of the gaming community by the year 2020. This is a definite shift from the days when Sega and Nintendo kids were in their 20s.
The most expensive game on the market is not necessarily the best. Some gamers might be more interested in a title’s technological aspects. For instance, they might want to purchase a game with a built-in microphone or a Wi-Fi connection. While these are cool, they won’t necessarily help them achieve their goal.
The gamer’s profile is a complex mix of traits. They might be involved in a competitive scene, but they also might be a fan of immortal classics. This is especially true of retro gamers, who usually have vintage consoles.
The video game industry has become a major source of revenue. Mobile games alone accounted for more than $77 billion in revenue during the first year of the pandemic. This amount represents a fraction of the total industry. Despite this, many brands are still using generic language to sell their products. For example, 55% of surveyed gamers say brands try to sell them items that are unrelated to their interests.