The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, with more people than ever before turning to online gaming as a way to stay entertained and connected with others.
According to a recent report, online gaming saw a surge in popularity during the pandemic, with a 75% increase in online gaming usage in the United States alone. The report also found that the number of gamers increased by 46% during the same period.
With the closure of many physical locations due to COVID-19 restrictions, online gaming provided an accessible and safe way for people to socialize and engage in recreational activities. Online gaming platforms like Steam, Xbox Live, and PlayStation Network saw a significant increase in users, with many new players joining the community.
One of the most popular online games during the pandemic was Among Us, a social deduction game that involves players working together to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to identify and eliminate any impostors among them. The game, which was released in 2018, saw a massive surge in popularity in 2020, with millions of new players joining the community.
Other popular online games during the pandemic include Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. These games offered players a way to escape the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic while also allowing them to connect with others in a virtual environment.
The popularity of online gaming during the pandemic is expected to have a lasting impact on the industry, with many experts predicting that the trend toward online gaming will continue even after the pandemic is over. As more people discover the benefits of online gaming, the industry is likely to continue to grow and evolve in new and exciting ways.
Overall, the surge in popularity of online gaming during the pandemic has provided a much-needed source of entertainment and social connection for many people around the world, and it’s clear that online gaming is here to stay.
