The entertainment industry has undergone some drastic changes in recent years. According to GameCrate, video games are now the most popular and profitable form of entertainment. They are more popular than television and some games even bring in more revenue than big Hollywood releases at the box office.

In 2018, the gaming industry brought in nearly 135 billion dollars. That’s more than television and streaming services combined. Obviously, games are no longer just for the “geeks” and “nerds”. Everyone is playing, including many adults in their 30’s and 40’s. Statistics show that up to 40% of gamers are women.

Why has gaming seen such a surge in popularity? Games have changed a lot over the last few years. More character, story, and genre diversity has attracted a lot more people to gaming. Fortnite, one of the most popular games in history, has around 250 million players world-wide. That’s larger than the population of Brazil, Russia, or Japan.

What does all this mean for tech? Mostly good things. Games require fast internet speeds for players to be competitive. This increasing demand for faster internet means that internet service providers are striving to improve their networks. Gaming also requires powerful devices which has helped lead to more powerful phones, tablets, and PCs for less. In fact, gaming has become the main focus of some computer companies like Asus, Acer, and HP with many of the most powerful computers on the market being made specifically for gaming.

Gaming has become a shared experience to many people, whether they’re actively participating or watching their favorite streamer. Instead of going out for dinner or to take a drive, a lot of friends will pick up their headsets and chat as they dominate the PUBG battlefield. It’s something almost everyone has access to and it doesn’t look like the gaming industry’s growth shows any signs of slowing down. Will gaming keep pushing more powerful devices and faster internet speeds? It’s a safe bet. This is why PTCI strives to continue to offer our customers the best internet solution for their needs. If you’re interested in a free internet checkup to ensure you’re getting the speed you need, please call 580-338-2556 or visit one of our store locations.