We got addicted to video games during quarantine

During this process, where we could not go out due to the coronavirus, thousands of people, who were looking for ways to spend time without getting bored at home, found the cure in the "games". Studies have shown that money spent on video games has increased by 60 percent and game downloads have increased by 30 percent compared to last year. Asst. Prof. Gazihan Alankuş, Lecturer at Department of Mechatronics, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), pointed out that the expenditures increased in the game consoles and computer games installed on the television during the coronavirus period. 

Alankuş said, “People were able to access games on mobile devices when they didn't have to stay at home. With having to stay longer at home and slowing down of life due to the coronavirus, a suitable environment was created for the games that should be played in front of a computer or television. As a result, a higher increase was observed in expenditures on console and computer games compared to mobile games. Game and e-sports agency, Next in Game's 'The effects of global quarantine days on the game world' report revealed that money spent on video games has increased by 60 percent and game downloads have increased by 30 percent compared to last year.”

GAME MARKET IN TURKEY WILL EXCEED 1 BILLION DOLLARS
Alankuş noted that games suitable for human psychology attract more attention and said the following: “According to Statista.com’s report, 123% increase was observed in the sales of the game named, "Plague Inc" which is about epidemic diseases, compared to the previous year. The game called ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’, which appeals not only to the players but also to all people, has reached serious sales figures. It set a new record in Japan with sales of 1.88 million physical copies. There are high potential companies producing games in our country. The gaming market in Turkey is expected to exceed $ 1 billion by the end of 2020. The market can benefit from this process by adding themes to their games in parallel with the game trends that have been successful in our country during the coronavirus process. The fact that the game development process is suitable for working from home is also a positive factor in this regard.”