Every age group of gamers played more in the pandemic.
Every age group of gamers played more in the pandemic.
Categories

Newzoo: Engagement with social games will continue beyond pandemic

Gamers spent a lot more time playing games during the pandemic, and game and esports data firm Newzoo is predicting that people will continue to stay engaged with the community and social sides of gaming as the pandemic subsides.

Newzoo is still predicting the game industry will shrink in revenues about 1% to $175 billion for the first time in years in 2021. But the company said the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated gaming trends already in motion, leading to an expanded gaming audience and through-the-roof engagement for much of the past year.

Unlock premium content and VIP community perks with GB M A X! Join now to enjoy our free and premium perks. 

Join now →

Sign in to your account.

Written by

Dean Takahashi

Dean Takahashi is editorial director for GamesBeat. He has been a tech journalist since 1988, and he has covered games as a beat since 1996. He was lead writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat from 2008 to April 2025. Prior to that, he wrote for the San Jose Mercury News, the Red Herring, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and the Dallas Times-Herald. He is the author of two books, "Opening the Xbox" and "The Xbox 360 Uncloaked." He organizes the annual GamesBeat Next, GamesBeat Summit and GamesBeat Insider Series: Hollywood and Games conferences and is a frequent speaker at gaming and tech events. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.