
Despite gamers spending ample time outdoors, a notable 58% still view them as lazy.
Recent research by Better challenges stereotypes, debunking myths and presenting contrary evidence concerning video games. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 UK citizens, including nearly 1,000 gamers, highlights the positive impact of gaming on health. One in three gamers report improved attention spans, while 50% find gaming to be a source of stress relief, aligning with a recent report by the ESA.
Surprisingly, 96% of gamers believe that games have a positive overall effect on their lives, with 30% attributing improvements in mental health to the communicative nature of gaming, which allows for connection with others.
Gamers also demonstrate a penchant for outdoor activity, as mobile game revenue surpasses PC and console revenue combined. More mobile titles are encouraging players to venture outdoors, with examples like Niantic's Monster Hunter Now promoting physical activity and team play. Such games have garnered significant revenue, emphasizing the willingness of mobile gamers to engage in outdoor pursuits.
The study acknowledges that gamers tend to get slightly less sleep than non-gamers, with gaming Brits averaging just 12 minutes less sleep per night, which is not significantly different from the UK's already suboptimal average of under seven hours of sleep.
However, negative stereotypes persist among non-gamers, with 47% perceiving gamers as leading unhealthy lifestyles and 58% believing they lack adequate exercise.
Better's comprehensive report also delves into negative stereotypes surrounding esports. Earlier this year, it was revealed that one in three Brits play games during remote working hours, even on company devices, which doesn't help improve the perception of gamers. Additionally, UK children have been identified as particularly susceptible to monetization tactics in comparison to their European counterparts. The potential of games like Pokémon Sleep to enhance their rest remains uncertain.
Source: by Aaron Astle, News Editor for PocketGamer