The Impact of COVID-19 on Online Gaming

There is no denying that 2020 has been a disaster so far and our hearts and prayers go out to all those who have been affected by the Coronavirus. But when it came to the lockdown, you’d think that it was gamers who would be best prepared to stay indoors and entertain themselves.

However, you’d be surprised at the impact that COVID-19 is having on the online gaming industry from a complete stop of sportsbook betting to postponing video game launches until after the crisis. It seems that no industry is truly safe.

Biggest Hit: Sports Betting

Nearly all sports around the globe have been canceled, rescheduled or postponed until further notice. Whether you are an NFL fanatic, eager for Euro 2020s, or waiting for the Tokyo Olympics, COVID-19 has ruined everything. OddsUSA.com is a great place to bet online and since the outbreak, they have created a thorough post outlining when future sporting events are due to restart. At the time of writing, there were a handful of sports still happening in Australia and with Sweden bucking the trend and continuing as normal, you could probably bet on a number of sports events there. But it’s slim pickings, to say the least.

Unchanged: Online Casinos

Whilst the online casino industry recorded a marginal increase during the lockdown, this is common with the time of year and so not an increase of note. It seems that those gamers interested in online casinos continued their daily/weekly routines unchanged. However, it is suspected that as people are furloughed and incomes become reduced, the amount of time and money spent on online casinos may reduce in the coming months.

Gowing: Online Poker

Reports suggest that online poker is actually enjoying a significant increase since the lockdown. As such, many of the online portals are leaning heavily on Poker to support their online services. This could be where many of the sports bettors have moved to during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Increasing: E-Sports

Whilst e-sport has been growing month-on-month, the recent lockdown has shone a spotlight on the e-sport industry, as it can be played in isolation or at a safe distance. The Berlin League of Legends tournament was originally planned to take up a 56,000 seat stadium in Shanghai, but despite the outbreak, it took place as planned but enjoyed a fully online presence.

Similarly, F1 Drivers are (both current and retired) are trying to create online F1 tournaments whilst premiership players who are also huge game fans are eager to promote online football games by well-known players.

Smashing It: Video Gaming

Verizon reported a massive 75% increase in online gaming in recent months whilst Roblox announced that it had 4 million concurrent players in March 2020, up from 2.5 million at the start of 2020. As expected, during a difficult time in which millions are forced into isolation, the ability to co-experience games from a safe distance becomes particularly important. 

Overall, three months into the COVID-19 and the world has changed forever. After the pandemic, the world will be a changed place. Digital realms are now more accessible and more commonplace than ever before. Gamers are at the forefront of the digital engagement revolution and the entertainment world is looking towards the online gaming industry to support the people of the world.