Alt-text: most popular online gaming providers
Online gaming is a new normal now. The easy access to a strong internet network made video games a household name. The wide range of game genres entices every kind of player with unique and immersive gameplay. This worldwide popularity turned iGaming into a billion-dollar industry.
However, even professional gamers might need to learn myriad facts and stats about the gaming segment.
Let’s make online gaming more exciting by knowing a few interesting facts about this industry.
The First Game-changer Online Game
Do you know how this new-age online game vertical became a trend?
Well, the credit goes to the Island of Kesmai by CompuServe. The renowned online service provider commercially distributed this multi-user dungeon genre role-playing video game in 1985.
Wait, the company was one of many to bring the online gaming concept to the market.
Two University of Essex students introduced the world to the online game in the 1970s. Titled MUD1, the multi-player game ran on a mainframe computer system. After the University connected to ARPANET in 1980, other students also got access to play MUD1 worldwide.
South Korea Imposed Cinderella Law
Innovation and South Koreans are always in a healthy relationship. These citizens don’t hesitate to embrace the new tech, including online games.
Even youngsters adapted to the latest trends instantly. That said, online gaming became one of their most loved entertainment sources. However, it also became a cause of concern for the government.
With the growing gaming habits in the younger generation, South Korea levied the special “Cinderella Law.” According to this ordinance, kids under 16 can’t play online PC games after midnight, i.e., between 12 AM and 6 AM. Also known as The Youth Protection Revision Act, it was a crucial step to prevent gaming addiction among youngsters.
After this law, online video game providers gave gaming access after verifying a player’s age through self-identification.
However, some teenagers showed their anger against this prohibition. So, the authorities abolished the Cinderella Law after ten years in August 2021.
Gaming Habits Among Different Generations
For Gen Z and Millennials, online games are the most preferred leisure activity.
According to a Newzoo report, 81% of Gen Z and 77% of Millennials engage in video gaming. Gen Z’s average weekly video game sessions are 7 hrs and 20 min. On the other hand, on average, Millennials play 6 hrs 50 min per week.
In the same study, around 70% of Millennials and 69% of Gen Z gamers also accepted they spent money on games. Besides, 40% of Gen Z and 37% of Millennials prefer social-based games to stay connected with friends and other players in the gaming community.
However, only 42% of Baby Boomers play video games. They engage in gaming activities for two-and-a-half hours weekly on average.
The Best Seller
Minecraft is the best-selling video game. The all-time favorite game by Mojang Studios created a wave in the industry after its launch in 2011. The company sold over 238 million copies across various platforms, including mobiles, PCs, and consoles. Today, Minecraft has around 173 million monthly active players.
The game developers focused on creativity, exploration, and user-generated content to design its unique gameplay. After the game’s success, many gaming studios built open-world games that provide player-driven experiences.
Besides, this game introduced the concept of “early access” games in the market. It’s a testing strategy that allows developers’ beta games to get public feedback before official release. Today, many gaming companies use this approach to improvise games based on user reviews.
Slots – the Most Played Real Money Casino Game Genre
Slot machines always had the charm to entice players with their impressive graphics, themes, and unusual gameplay. The game has been winning several hearts since its inception. Hence, online slots are the most popular casino game genre on the internet.
After all, the easy-to-play game doesn’t require any skills or strategies. Hence, even rookies can hit the winning combinations.
Several software developers also focus on creating online slot machines to boost revenue. The key market leaders include Microgaming, IGT, Play’n Go, Big Time Gaming, NetEnt, and Betsoft casino games.
As per market insights, online casinos generate 70% of their income through slot games.
Valuable Stats and Market Trends
- In 2021, 77% of gamers claimed to play online social games.
- Mobile gaming is gaining huge traction. According to Statista, the estimated gaming revenue for mobile games was USD 140.5 billion in 2022.
- In 2022, the global online gambling market earned around USD 63.53 billion, based on Grand View Research report. They also reported that the industry can grow at 11.7% CAGR by 2030.
FAQs
- What is the most famous online game genre?
First-person shooter games aren’t just the most famous online gaming genre. Besides, the highest number of releases are also shooter game titles in the market.
- What is a surprising fact about eSports?
eSports tournaments allow kids of all ages to participate and earn money. A teen gamer holds the record for winning the highest single-player tournament prize.
- Which is the most expensive game?
Red Dead Redemption 2 is the costliest game ever made. The Rockstar North spent around USD 540 million to build and market this action-adventure game.
Wrap Up
Undoubtedly, the online gaming trend is here to stay. As technology evolves, gaming will bring casual and professional gamers more joy. With this, the iGaming sector will also create more historical achievements in the future.
