Kiwi parents pick up the game controller during the pandemic

Te Whanganui-a-Tara – New research has found 76 percent of Kiwi parents turned to video games to connect with their children during the pandemic, according to a new report.

The Digital New Zealand 2022 report released today by peak industry body the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) was in conjunction with Bond University, exploring New Zealand’s gamer habits and the gaming landscape during the pandemic.

New Zealand parents are starting to see video games as more than just entertainment. Games are becoming a way for parents to connect with family on another level.

With 58 percent of Aotearoa parents saying their children’s schools are now using video games as another avenue to teach.

It’s a great way for parents to engage with their children while having fun and reinforcing what their children learn, the report says.

The report shows how important video games are for learning and social connection. Gaming is a popular hobby in New Zealand, but it’s also a part of everyday life for many.

Three quarters of New Zealanders surveyed play video games socially with others either online or at home, maintaining important social connections that would otherwise be impossible in the face of lockdowns or travel restrictions.

Older Kiwis have also seen the benefits of playing video games. Most play to keep their mind active during a time when many people are not able to go outside.

Over three quarters of New Zealanders also believe video games can improve a person’s mental health, so it’s no wonder we see so many Kiwis connecting with games during the pandemic.

The report says the average New Zealand gamer is now 35 years old and plays an average of 81 minutes a day. Almost half of New Zealand video gamers are female, and one third use online services for gaming.

Other report highlights:

• Over 1.6 million of households (92 percent) connect with video games
• 3.7 million New Zealanders (73 percent) play video games
• 75 percent of households have two or more devices for gaming
• 67 percent of New Zealanders agree that games connect people socially
• 58 percent of children learn with games at school
• 42 percent of New Zealand households use a game subscription service