People who prefer playing a home video game to going out to the movies are in good company, according to a recent survey.
Almost 64 percent of Americans have played a video game in the past six months versus only 53 percent who have gone out to see a movie, according to a report from market research firm NPD Group.
The March report, part of NPD's "Entertainment Trends in America" study, also noted that consumers now splurge one-third of their entertainment dollar on video games. The average gamer spent a bit more than $38 per month, with 31 percent of all those surveyed having bought a game over the past 12 months.
One factor for the surge in gaming is the number of new outlets, such as social networks and online gaming sites, said the report. Around 10 percent of people surveyed have played video games on a social network, while five percent have paid to download games online.
"Video games account for one third of the average monthly consumer spending in the U.S. for core entertainment content, including music, video, games," said Anita Frazier, video games industry analyst for NPD. "While a portion of that share stems from the premium price of console games, we're also seeing an overall increase in the number of people participating in gaming year-over-year."
The results of the NPD study were based on an online survey that received responses from more than 11,000 U.S. consumers. Despite gaming's popularity, another NPD study found that video game sales have slumped this year in comparison to 2008, a year in which game sales soared.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the field of video games and entertainment trends, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intriguing findings from the recent survey conducted by the NPD Group. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, industry analysis, and a genuine passion for understanding the evolving landscape of digital entertainment.
The NPD Group's "Entertainment Trends in America" study, particularly the March report, offers valuable insights into the shifting preferences of American consumers. According to the survey, a notable 64 percent of Americans have engaged in video gaming over the past six months, surpassing the 53 percent who opted for the traditional movie-going experience. This statistic alone highlights a significant cultural shift, underscoring the increasing allure of video games as a preferred form of entertainment.
One compelling piece of evidence supporting this shift is the revelation that consumers now allocate one-third of their entertainment expenditure to video games. This financial commitment underscores the economic impact and cultural significance of the gaming industry. The average gamer, as indicated by the survey, invests slightly over $38 per month in their gaming pursuits, with 31 percent of respondents having purchased a game in the past 12 months.
The surge in gaming is attributed, in part, to the emergence of new outlets, including social networks and online gaming sites. The report points out that approximately 10 percent of survey participants have engaged in video gaming through social networks, while five percent have made paid downloads of games online. This diversification of platforms signifies a broadening accessibility and appeal of gaming beyond traditional consoles.
Anita Frazier, a renowned video games industry analyst for NPD, emphasizes the profound impact of video games on consumer spending habits. She notes that video games now account for a significant one-third share of the average monthly consumer spending in the U.S. for core entertainment content, including music and video.
Despite the soaring popularity of video games, a nuanced perspective emerges when considering the sales data. Another NPD study reveals a comparative decline in video game sales in the current year compared to the peak year of 2008, characterized by a remarkable surge in game sales. This nuanced finding prompts a deeper exploration into the dynamics of the gaming market, suggesting that while participation and expenditure are high, sales figures may be subject to fluctuations influenced by various factors.
In conclusion, the NPD study, based on responses from over 11,000 U.S. consumers, provides a comprehensive snapshot of the evolving entertainment landscape. Video games have evidently become a dominant force, both in terms of consumer engagement and financial investment. However, the industry's trajectory is nuanced, requiring ongoing analysis to understand the complex interplay of factors influencing its dynamics.
