Videogames popularity: who plays videogames?
Why do people play these games, and just who is playing them? The answers to those questions are as unique as the players themselves, but finding those answers is getting easier every day. Here are some of the groups of people who play video games, and why they play them.
- Just like watching a good movie, a video game can provide a bit of an escape. If you've had a bad day, or just need to release some frustration, a video game can help. Games such as World of Warcraft and first-person shooters can allow you to make new friends and let off some steam. However, some people can find it hard to separate the fictional world of the game from the real world.
- People that play video games sometimes do it when they're looking to boost their reflexes. With puzzle, trivia and "brain training" games, you will learn to augment your general knowledge and think more quickly. Games like Tetris or Wii tennis will help you sharpen your reflexes and learn body control.
- Some fitness buffs also play video games. Exergaming has become more and more popular, with games like In the Groove, Wii Fit and Dance Dance Revolution. The Wii Fit's balance board allows users to do strength training exercises, yoga poses, and some cardio work. They won't replace your time at the gym, but they will get you off the couch and on your feet.
- People play video games just for fun. To these people, points and goals don't matter, and neither does the competitive aspect. These gamers just want to play an old favorite or revisit a game they really like.
- Some people play for the nostalgia factor. Those of us that grew up in the first years of the video game revolution want to play the games of our childhood. Games like Pac-Man or Donkey Kong are still available, and some gamers look for consoles like the original NES or the Atari.
- People play video games to make money- in fact, some make quite a living at it. There are many contests around the world for some of the most difficult games, and yearly tournaments for sports games carry some big cash prizes.