Making Money by Playing the Game

by Nina Price, highlights, Insight, March 2009

Since the 1980’s when the first video games were released, there have been two different types of gamers: those who play video games for entertainment, recreational gamers, and the elite gamers, those who dedicate several hours a week to their craft. With the growing popularity of video games in our society, it is not surprising to see the thousands of people who have turned it into a profession. Despite the different levels of gamers, there is a universal agreement that video games are a way to escape from daily life into a world that they would not otherwise be able to experience. It is also very surprising to see how well the video game business has been able to prosper in today’s economic situation.

                 The DFC, the market research firm focused on video game sales report that: $11.7 billion dollars profit have been made in the video game industry in the past year, while other businesses are going bankrupt. This shows how stable this industry is, despite the downward spiral of our economy.  The video-gaming industry has made an 18 percent increase in sales in November 2008, which is an increase of $1.31 billion dollars. 

                At the first level, recreational gamers play for entertainment. They may play video games when they have nothing better to do. The main difference between these players, and the avid gamers who play for more than twenty hours a week, may be in their basic interests.

                “I enjoy video games, but I only play one hour a week. I am not obsessed with them like some kids are because I have a more active personality and like to go outside and hang out with friends,” says Michael Velez, sophomore.

                Many gamers may have to limit the amount of time that they play a day because of factors such as their school-work and family life.

                Other times, some people over look these basic “necessities” and push them to the side making time for Halo 3 or counterstrike, instead. These “necessities” are no longer essential and have been replaced by video games.

                “I am in IB. I finish my homework the best I can. I love video games and if I have to give up sleep to complete everything, I am happy to do so,” said Javier Rey-Brooks, senior.