Individuals typically shell out approximately $30.90 each month for digital and computer-based gaming activities.
People engaged in gaming are becoming more invested financially in their pastime. Based on data from metacybernetic organization Bitkom, gamers typically spend around 29.30 Euros each month on digital and computer games, neglecting hardware expenditures like computers, consoles, or cellphones. This represents a marked rise from 25.80 Euros the previous year and 22.70 Euros the year preceding, as per the organization's announcement on Wednesday.
This expenditure encompasses more than mere physical game purchases or digital downloads, extending to in-game purchases as well, such as advancement-enhancing equipment. Two years back, 37% of gamers participated in such transactions, whereas today, approximately 48% have done so within the past year.
Regardless of the gaming platform, it enjoys widespread popularity. As per Bitkom, around half (53%) of Germans aged 16 and above indulge in digital or computer gaming occasionally, with a whopping 90% of individuals aged 16 to 29 participating. The smartphone emerges as the preferred gaming device.
As Bitkom specialist Florian Bayer stated, "The gaming landscape is no longer an exclusive domain for children and young adults. For a multitude, games serve purposes beyond mere amusement, offering an intuitive technology introduction, exporations of new dimensions, and shared experiences with friends."
The survey, commissioned by the digital association, interviewed 1205 participants aged 16 and above, including 638 identified gamers. Bitkom considers the overall survey representative, according to their statement.
However, Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert also underlined the potential dangers of excessive web, computer game, and smartphone utilization, particularly among youth and young adults. Excessive digital media consumption "may be linked to psychological stressors like loss of control, internal agitation, or heightened temperament," it was noted.
Gamer expenditures extend beyond just buying or downloading games, as nearly half of all gamers now make in-game purchases for advancement-enhancing equipment. With 90% of individuals aged 16 to 29 participating in gaming, it's clear that being a gamer enjoys widespread popularity among young people.