Global Gaming Growth: Players Using New Media To Drive Industry Forward

Put simply, online gaming is a global giant, a behemoth of the virtual entertainment world. How it has gone from being a niche, somewhat understated pastime to turning into this worldwide phenomenon is quite the story, and there are many parts that make up this narrative. 

Naturally, the rise of technology and the constant advancements in software and hardware are major forces in the online gaming industry, driving the success story and enabling the creation and playing capabilities that are loved by billions around the world. 

There is, however, so much more to the growth of this extraordinarily popular sector. One of the factors that has helped this exponential growth is the presence, emergence, and ongoing ubiquity of news and media opportunities. 

I don’t mean print news, to be clear; I mean online websites dedicated to iGaming, online casinos, and various other forms of digital fun. I also mean social media, something that is now a major influence when it comes to online global gaming growth. 

Put another way, the world of online gaming is now replete with communities that are dedicated to their favorite virtual pastimes. Perhaps one of the subsections of this gaming world that personifies this best is the online casino. 

Not only are casino games popular worldwide, but they appeal to an ever-increasing demographic due to the plethora of titles, not to mention the vast array of different devices that they can be played on. Whether it is those who use apps to play online bingo and casino games or the old-fashioned poker player who insists on visiting a brick-and-mortar casino, this is a gaming sector that appeals to all kinds of players, with all kinds of skill levels. Indeed, the move to online has helped to encourage more and more players to try out options that might traditionally be seen as less mainstream. 

Take those who play online bingo for example: once, people would have viewed bingo as a rather niche option that attracted only a small number of players. However, with the flexibility and convenience that the online world has brought, bingo has become far more central and attracts players from a myriad of demographics. This has resulted in more versions of bingo appearing and a greater reputation for the game as a whole – which may even result in an uptick in physical players in some cases!

It’s not just bingo, of course. From playing professional poker via your laptop to enjoying fun slots online games, and from learning Minecraft hacks to getting tips about Grand Theft Auto, you will always be able to find an online community dedicated to online gaming. Some are general, some specific to one game, but they are all there, and are growing in number. Let’s take a look at how this has happened, and where it is heading. 

Social Media Taking Gaming To The Next Level

Social media has changed the world in which we live. The online entertainment industry is a powerful tool, a worldwide presence, and, for some, highly influential in terms of how their business performs, and how their brand is viewed. 

But how does this work, and how does social media play a part in helping the global gaming industry grow, especially given how many websites dedicated to providing gaming articles are already out there? Social media is, arguably, one of the most influential factors in terms of online content that helps the global gaming sector grow. 

From TikTok videos to YouTube video gaming live streams, X (formerly known as Twitter) posts coming thick and fast to Instagram content, gaming content is everywhere, and with an almost insatiable appetite shown by players worldwide, this content is genuinely impactful, influential, and powerful. You can find ultimate game guides, tips and tricks to get you to the next playing level, and even so-called ‘hacks’ that allow greater advancements within games: it’s all there for gamers to use. 

With that, social media influencers have emerged, and are dedicated to discussing all things online game-related, and they do so to audiences, followers, and subscribers that are often in the many millions. 

This can, of course, include influencing what people play, what they buy for in-game purchases, and what games become popular globally. And yes, social media influencers and content really are that potent in terms of impact. 

Creators Using New Media For Marketing Games

Among the many reasons global gaming community numbers are growing, with over a billion and counting, is that the creators themselves are investing in this particular form of agile marketing. 

When creators release a new iGaming app, game, platform, or even iteration of an existing game, the marketing circus that surrounds it is usually quite a spectacle. At present, much of it is done on social media. 

This is not just about harnessing the power of this new form of marketing campaign strategies: it is an attempt to engage directly with the right audience. When it comes to social media and gaming, the age and demographics of the audience, user, and player base are somewhat similar. 

In addition to this, the number of females now playing is also a consideration, and is reflected in many social media-based marketing campaigns for online games. With statistics showing a rise in female game players, creators are using new media to reach this growing group of players, and with social media, they are doing so effectively. 

Ultimately, the global gaming community is predominantly young, though not exclusively, of course. As a result of this, social media tends to be a particularly effective tool for reaching people. This is true for players, creators, companies, and all associated parties, and with no slowing in sight, the industry looks set to enjoy a prosperous future. Whether you see a post about playing bingo on Facebook and decide to give the game a whirl or you get excited over the latest Minecraft video on TikTok, this world is quite amazing.