The Game Industry Thrived in 2020

It’s been a full year since the coronavirus overtook our lives. We have lived through lockdowns, practiced social distances. Plus, for many, the isolating part really did take its toll. We have had to accept that we will never return to how things were pre-corona. However, we can do what we always do: adapt, and survive. Moreover, this global pandemic has impacted over 108 million people globally. Besides, the number of fatalities is now close to 2.4 million. It would be an understatement to say that the virus hasn’t impacted us all in some way. Many people lost their jobs, or had to work from home. Parents also had to become teachers. It is safe to say our lives have changed forever. The virus seems to have an adverse effect on most sectors, apart from gaming, especially on consoles like PlayStation. Tourism, travel, hospitality, even oil and gas have been impacted. However, the gaming sector seems to be immune. Not only that, but games have also been our saviors to help us get through this pandemic.

The Gaming Industry Seems to be Immune from COVID-19

Globally, every sector seems to have done its bit to help us live and cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain countries, namely the United Kingdom, are still experiencing lockdown and strict traveling restrictions. Although the US seems to be getting back to normal, the past year has been horrible to live through. For some, gaming was their only escape during this horrendous pandemic. Games can allow you to switch off and be fully immersed in a different storyline. It is evident that many of the big gaming giants have thrived during the pandemic. For instance, Nintendo saw an increase in sales during the first quarter of 2020. Moreover, an increase in profit was because Nintendo sold nearly half of their games digitally. Besides, it is worth noting that new games as well as revamped titles like Animal Crossing and Doom Eternal actually broke sales and download records after the launch. Furthermore, it is worth noting that, according to Comcast, the number of downloads for new games has increased by 80%. As many of us were forced to stay in our homes, it is only natural that we needed an escape. The main issue with COVID-19 is that it disrupted every aspect of our lives, including home, work, school, and even getting groceries. The only way we can connect with people is through online platforms, as well as gaming. According to Statista, people claim to have spent between 40-60% of their time playing multiplayer games online, like Fortnite and Warzone.

However, it is worth noting that it isn’t just the generic games that have thrived. Since many of us have been glued to our phones to look for some form of entertainment, it only seems right that we immerse ourselves by gaming online. The online casino industry is also thriving despite the global pandemic. Although many Americans love to visit the brick-and-mortar casinos and bingo halls, the COVID-19 pandemic has made this impossible until recently. Thus, many of the customers turned to the online option, as it complies with all the social distancing laws. You can find out more about casino games on this site. Many of these online casinos offer free games. Generally, casinos will offer you a free sign-up bonus. Plus, some of the well-known sites allow you to play table games like poker or blackjack for free. Finally, it is evident that all aspects of the gaming industry have boomed since COVID-19. One mobile game developer, Tapinator, managed to achieve a record-breaking revenue of $4.5 million in 2020. Moreover, this company continuously develops new and fun games for its consumers to ensure they stay happy and healthy during this pandemic.

Get Online, Game to Stay Safe

The gaming industry has always been popular. Undoubtedly online games, whether it’s Warzone, Fortnite, or an online casino, provide the much-needed escape from reality. According to MarketWatch Analysis:

• There were $179.9 billion sales for mobile games (24% annual increase)
• $52.5 billion in console sales (20% increase)
• $39.5 billion in PC sales (11% increase)

Therefore, we can state that the gaming industry thrived in 2020, despite the global pandemic. This increase was needed, as it could be argued that the games like Stronghold Warlords keep us inside, in our homes, and ensures we are abiding by social distancing rules. Plus, spending your time on games isn’t the worse thing in the world.