The new gaming ecosystem
The gaming ecosystem has changed a lot in the last few years. Back in the 2000s, kids could play games on their own or with friends. Nowadays they are so many online platforms with so many options that their gaming experience has completely changed.
The evolution of experience
The gaming industry is constantly innovating and reinventing itself. There has been a change and evolution not only in the gaming devices but also in way kids experience gaming. In 2007, mobile games gained a lot of popularity duo the launch of the iPhone. 2 years later, social gaming networks were the next best thing. Gamers were now able to have multiplayer interactions with others.
In 2014, the mpg (multiplayer games) platforms saw an increase in their popularity with children. Influencers took that opportunity and started creating content about gaming on YouTube. The mpg platforms became an essential medium for social interaction. In 2015, gamers switched to Esports. Esports is a form of sports competition using video games.
In 2017 Roblox took over. A gaming platform where children could create their own worlds and connect with other players worldwide. The latest innovation was live events on gaming platforms in 2020, the rapper Travis Scott even performed live on Fortnite.
3 trends in the gaming ecosystem
1. Gaming brings children together
Gaming platforms, like Roblox, allows children to connect and engage with their friends. In the US, 1 in 5 kids uses in-game chat to stay in touch with their friends. Children can play online with other children they don’t even know and become online friends. Gaming has become a social activity.
2. Gaming is more than just a game
Nowadays, children don’t need to be gamers to participate in the gaming ecosystem. The game ‘Among Us’ is an excellent example. The participation of kids takes place in the form of knowledge rather than skills. Watching videos about games is also something kids love to do. A fascinating fact is that 64% watches videos about games they don’t even play on online platforms, like YouTube or Twitch.
3. Live in-game events.
Gaming platforms have found a new way to lure new gamers. Kids can now game and, at the same time, watch a live event.
Kids are the most important influencers in the new gaming ecosystem. They don’t just play; they communicate, engage, and are ambassadors of the gaming ecosystem. Kids are fast in adopting skills and like to try out new things. They are one of the reasons why gaming is so popular.
64% of children watch video games they don’t play on Online platforms, like YouTube or Twitch.
Kids want to connect with their friends, and the gaming ecosystem gives them a chance to. Games like Roblox enables children to keep in contact with their friends. 1 in 5 kids in the US uses in-game chat to stay in touch with friends. Gaming content creators have a significant role in the popularity of games. In 2020, if gaming content creators play and approve a specific game, then the game would become popular. YouTube is the best marketing tool for the gaming industry.
1 in 5 kids in the US, use in-game chat to stay in touch with friends.
Kids: the most important influencers
Kids are the most important influencers in the new gaming ecosystem. They don’t just play, they communicate, engage, and are ambassadors of the gaming ecosystem. The popularity of games could not be possible without kids.