Are video games a fad?
Are video games art?
Are video games responsible for violence in children?
It’s one of the youngest entertainment mediums around, but the video game industry has dealt with as much controversy, hostility, and outright dismissal as any of its peers. Yet throughout the decades, it has risen from strength to strength in order to become one of the most inclusive, lucrative, and compelling art forms of modern times.
Some facts about where the industry is today:
- When taking mobile and browser-based games into consideration, women make up 52% of the video game market.
- Nearly 50% of Americans play video games, even though they don’t consider themselves gamers.
- 54% play games socially or competitively.
- The average gamer is 35, and has been playing games for 13 years.
- Over $23.5 billion was spent in the industry in 2015, compared to $11 in film.
- In 2016, ESPN made history by broadcasting major video game tournaments including the League of Legends Champions. The viewing rights were purchased for a rumoured $500 million. 27 million people watched the finals via television or online.
With further expansion into the realms of augmented and virtual reality, as well as advancements in standard hardware, the future of video gaming is looking as strong as ever.