Game On

Five key trends that are likely to shape the e-gaming industry in 2021

- DEEPAK ARAVIND

Within the predictable cycles of restrictive house arrest and rationed social connections, online is the new lifeline. From e-commerce to e-dating and even e-gaming, the pandemic indused New Normal could well be the ENormal. No wonder then that the entire gaming segment is thriving despite the widespread economic downturn caused by Covid-19. Gaming has quickly emerged not just as an engaging distraction, but one of the leading in-house solo entertainment options.

Crippling boredom has translated into landmark growth in playing time and total sales. Improved access has rendered gaming more competitive as compared to other forms of entertainment. While social distancing restricts physical meeting, it doesn’t eliminate the need to connect with others. And more than any other digital medium, gaming has the built-in infrastructure to facilitate large-scale socialisation. Nearly one-quarter of gamers play video games only to socialise with others. With this, even game-viewing platforms have seen upticks in their viewership as new gamers are coming onboard to participate in conversations to socialise.