As the nation enters yet another lockdown, people are on the hunt for ways to keep entertained. While baking banana bread, doing home workouts and completing DIY jobs were popular choices in the lockdowns of 2020, gaming also provided hours of entertainment and escapism for many. Gaming has risen steadily as a hobby and new research by Currys PC World found that over half of Brits (52%) would call themselves a ‘gamer’. So, we investigated further to see what game keeps bringing us back for more.
The most popular genre and game
The beauty of gaming is that there are a variety of genres that will suit everyone. From first-person shooter to turn-based strategy and racing, each one offers a unique gaming experience to capture their audience. But it turns out ‘sports’ is the king of gaming genres, with 14% of respondents voting it their favourite. ‘Action’ and ‘strategy’ genres are in hot pursuit, each taking 13% of the nation’s vote.
FIFA took first place as the nation’s favourite video game. With the aim of unlocking better cards to create the best team, it’s easy to see why it earned itself the top spot. In joint second place were ‘action’ games Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. People are flocking to these games as a form of escapism and, when we’re all restricted to our homes, it’s easy to see why. On the flip side, ‘platformer’ and ‘fighting’ games came in joint last with only 8% of the vote each.
Which city is gaming the most and which device is in most demand?
So, Britain is a gaming nation but who are the most dedicated gamers and what are their go-to devices? Our capital city, London, is home to the most gamers, with 57% of respondents stating that they game frequently. Brighton is just behind London with 56% of respondents identifying as gamers. However, not everyone is picking up a controller, as 57% of Sheffield residents admit that they don’t play.
We know who’s gaming the most, but what device are people opting for? Well, PlayStation is the top choice in London (18%), Birmingham (18%) and Southampton (16%). PC gamers hail from Brighton (23%), Bristol (16%) and Belfast (12%). Plymouth (21%), Liverpool (17%) and Cardiff (14%), meanwhile, are Xbox gamers.
The cost of gaming
The advancement in technology has resulted in gaming consoles getting better, and the games themselves boasting infinitely better graphics and detailed storylines to entice their audience. So, it’s no surprise that the gaming industry in the UK is predicted to be worth £10 billion by 2023[1]. Gamers are willing to pay the big bucks to create the ultimate gaming experience, with 1 in 10 Gen Z’s stating they’re willing to spend up to £200 a year on the latest games and gaming equipment. And by gaming equipment, this could mean more than just the console – it could include a comfortable gaming chair, a decent headset and a desk to create the best gaming environment. With this in mind, it’s easy to see how the cost can stack up so quickly.
Now that we have to stay home, the exciting world of video games has something to offer everyone to keep them entertained. So, whether it’s scoring goals in FIFA or racing Mario and Luigi in Mario Kart, there are plenty of games out there to enjoy.
[1] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2020/02/26/uk-gaming-industry-worth-10bn-2023/
