Why Gaming Has Become a Mainstream Hobby

Video games, as we know them, have been around for decades. From Space Invaders to Tomb Raider, games have long transported us to new worlds and given people a way to escape reality, even if only for a few minutes. While there has always been a wide variety of genres, it wasn’t until recently that gaming started to become a mainstream hobby enjoyed by people across all generations. 

This shift became especially apparent over the last decade as people began to view gaming not as some exclusive domain accessible by only a small demographic, but as another valid form of entertainment, just like TV and music — the biggest difference was that gaming is interactive, while other forms of entertainment are consumed passively. As such, in the same way as one may spend their free time collecting rare stamps or mountain climbing, gaming became a hobby to many.

In this article, we take a look at what changed to make gaming a mainstream hobby. 

The Expansion of the Gaming Audience

Shortly after the first smartphones emerged, the gaming audience began to grow. With an iPhone or Android device, people could access a variety of games from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This newfound convenience, and the fact that many of the titles available in the app stores were casual and easy to play, helped push gaming towards the masses. Smartphones made it easy for people to play their favourite games on the go, whether that meant downloading a classic like Angry Birds or visiting a website optimized for use on mobile devices. 

Games like poker, which were once played only in person, found a new life and audience online. While poker’s popularity has never waned, online platforms gave people a new way to play the world’s most famous card game. New and aspiring players can access information about poker rules on these virtual platforms, allowing them to put their new knowledge to use immediately and gain new skills. Veterans, meanwhile, can take part in competitions and tournaments, testing their strategy against the very best from around the world. 

Beyond the increased accessibility of games like poker, social media platforms played a big role in introducing gaming to a wider audience. The games themselves have also changed over the years, with many featuring diverse characters and storylines that get the attention of those who are seeking out a new way to entertain themselves. 

The Role of Technology in Making Gaming More Accessible

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Nothing else has had a bigger impact on the wide adoption of gaming as a hobby than technology, and it’s not even close. As the technology that powers smartphones has improved, so have the types of games they can support. Whether you want to play a simple puzzler or highly involved RPG adventures, all are accessible on mobile devices. For many, smartphones and tablets have become their go-to devices, eliminating the need to buy expensive consoles and PCs. 

Cloud gaming has also helped break down barriers, making it possible to stream high-quality titles to pretty much any device, whether that’s a budget laptop or a tablet, with no pricey hardware needed. If you have a stable high-speed internet connection, you’re ready to stream AAA titles via the cloud.

Subscription services have also made gaming more affordable, allowing players to access a range of titles for a monthly fee. Depending on the type of gaming they’re interested in, players can subscribe to services like Apple Arcade, Google Play Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now, or Xbox Game Pass. One of the most attractive features of this model is that it allows players to test out several types of games without committing to a purchase. 

Cross-platform play has also helped gaming go mainstream, allowing people to play titles like Fortnite and Minecraft with players across multiple platforms. This is a big difference from the days when players were limited to competing against people using the same console or gaming system – just one more factor that has contributed to the rise of gaming as a legitimate hobby.