Survey: Canadian video game usage
By Adnews Staff
The Toronto-based Entertainment Software Association of Canada has released the results of a survey conducted by the NPD Group on the playing of video games in Canada. According to the organization, the survey indicated a growing popularity for online gaming, with an increasing number of consumers playing video games to be part of an online community.
According to the survey, 67% of video game players said that games can introduce them to new friends and relationships. As a result of video games, 48% of players spent time with people they would not have otherwise, and 38% reported meeting a new friend or spouse.
Overall, 49% of adult video game players and 70% of children play video games most often with other people. In addition, 74% of parents said that they play games with their children, an increase of 9% over the past two years. Also, 69% of parents said that video games helped them to spend more time with their children.
Other findings of the survey are that 85% of players feel video games provide stress relief, while 84% feel they bring joy and 81% they improve their cognitive skills. Fifty-three percent of Canadians have played a video game in the past four weeks, and play for an average of 7.9 hours per week.
“This year's survey highlights the important role that video games play in the lives of millions of Canadians,” said Jayson Hilchie, president and CEO of the association. “Canadians play video games to have fun, unwind and relieve stress, and they are increasingly sharing that experience with their families and a growing community of online friends.”