How Gaming Became Part of Everyone’s Night In... AD FEATURE
Gaming has gone mainstream, are you a gamer or interested to try gaming?
A couple of decades ago, if you asked the average person what they thought was an ideal way to spend a night at home, they may have said watching a movie, catching up on a TV series, or relaxing with a good book. You probably would've been hard-pressed to find a lot of people who listed gaming as one of their top activities.
Things have changed a lot in the intervening years, and today, gaming has become the go-to form of entertainment.
In terms of revenue, the video game industry pulls in more money than the global film and music industries combined. It's safe to say that gaming has officially gone mainstream.
So, it's not particularly surprising that for many people, gaming has become part of their nights in.
With the average gamer now well into their 30s, and most people saying they play video games weekly, gaming has gone from being a hobby to a regular part of everyday life.
There are many reasons for the increased popularity of gaming, including the proliferation of smartphones, digital downloads, streaming platforms, and the arrival of devices like the Nintendo Switch, all of which have made gaming more accessible, social, and diverse than ever before.
In this article, we look at how it's become normal, even trendy, for people to grab a controller after work, get comfortable, and enjoy gaming as part of a nightly routine.
Gaming Can Be an Individual or Shared Experience
For a long time, gaming was an individual hobby. Not because people didn't want to share the experience, but because the technology hadn't advanced enough to make it easy to do so.
Today, gamers get to decide: play alone or play with others. There are millions of titles available for those who prefer the solitary gaming experience. One doesn't have to look any further than online casinos, which offer solo and multiplayer experiences.
For example, many roulette games on platforms like Wildz can be played alone, but there are also live casino options that simulate real tables with other players and a live dealer.
Beyond online casinos, a couple at home might play a cooperative puzzle game, or friends may compete against each other on a casual mobile title. Multiplayer gaming at night in the middle of the work week has become the norm for millions. Streaming platforms like Twitch have had a lot to do with this trend, with millions logging on daily to show off their gaming skills and share commentary with the gaming community the platform hosts.
Convenience and Customization
Another thing that makes gaming one of the best ways to spend a night in is how convenient it is and the level of personalization. Saying there's something for everyone isn't an exaggeration.
From digital downloads to cloud gaming, you can start a gaming session just about anywhere, on the platform of your choice - a console, PC, or phone. Best of all, there's no need to carry around physical discs or cartridges.
If you have a busy schedule, it's easy to appreciate the shorter, digestible gaming sessions many casual titles offer. If you're in the mood to relax, you can reach for a story-based adventure, and if you're in a talkative mood, there are plenty of social games to choose from.
Pop Culture Influence
Major actors and musicians have played a big role in pushing gaming into the mainstream and reshaping our nightly habits. Game voice actors like the Pixel Pack's Troy Baker and others are starting to get the same recognition as traditional celebrities, which demonstrates how much the storytelling in video games has come to rival that in films and TV.
Celebrities often show up at gaming conventions and crossover events, which has also helped to raise the industry's profile.
All of this has helped popularize games as a legitimate way to wind down at night.
