Gaming has emerged as a key social platform for Australians during the pandemic, according to a study from the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA).
The Digital Australia 2022 report released today found that more than 75% of Australians who played video games used them to connect with others during the pandemic.
One in five (22%) players said they communicated through video games with others and more than a third of adults said they met friends through playing video games.
The report was undertaken by Bond University and involved 1,204 Australian households and 3,152 individuals of all ages.
“Video games were not just a vital source of entertainment during the pandemic, but also a means for connection, communication, and social interaction between friends and family, as well as education and comfort for children,” says Bond University professor Jeffrey Brand who has run the Digital Australia series of research for 16 years.
“70 percent of the participants lived in an area that experienced lockdown during the pandemic, and over a third of those participants said they played more video games.
“Nearly a quarter said that they used in-game tools to communicate with others, all new findings included in this year’s report.”
The report also found social and mental benefits of video games, finding that playing video games to keep the mind active was the number one reason older Australians turned to gaming, and moved to the second highest reason Australians overall play video games during the pandemic.
“DA22 found that, for the first time since we started the Digital Australia research series, Australians preferred playing video games over watching free-to-air TV, second only to streaming TV and movies,” says IGEA CEO Ron Curry.
“More Australians are turning to video games for social activities and mental health, changing video games from a hobby into a larger cultural touchstone enabling families and friends to remain connected.
“Video games inspire creativity. We see people connected to gaming culture whether that be making games themselves, creating mods, watching streamers, or even attending concerts in-game. Australians love and enjoy games on so many levels and we are seeing the local game development industry evolve accordingly.”
According to the report, the average Australian gamer is 35 years old, a year older compared to the previous two reports. They play an average of 83 minutes a day with most play occuring in the evening. Almost half of Australian video gamers are female, and nearly half use online services for gaming.
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