In this period of economic recession, where the level of income seems to be decreasing for much of the Western population, it interests me that the 3DS is selling in record numbers (as I understand it).
So, I was wondering what percentage of income most people now spend on gaming, how this differs with 20 years or so ago etc.
I realise this is quite vague, but if anyone has anyone has any statistics on this I'd be grateful.
Even in economic recessions the entertainment industry always stays strong. I don't know if this extends to video games, but I think it's pretty safe to assume that it does.
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Video games are actually a pretty cheap form of entertainment for a lot of people vs. weekend breaks, exotic holidays, shopping for things you don't need, eating at fancy restaurants,even the cinema, rock concerts etc. etc.
I think that's why in times of crisis the video games industry doesn't suffer too badly.
I've heard the argument that gaming has become an "affordable" option, which is why it's still doing fairly well in the recession. Think about it how much a night at the movies costs - tickets are $10-$12 dollars, plus any food you may want (either out to dinner/snacks at the theater). You get 2-4 hours of entertainment, and you're spending $10-$50 (if you ate out) easily PER PERSON.
With video games you can have friends over and play games for much cheaper. Nintendo games cost $50 new, and if it's a 3rd party/Microsoft/Sony game it will get price drops fairly quickly if you can wait. Even still - how many hours will you and your friend get out of the game? More than 10 hours and you've broken even compared to movies. Plus, if you figure you're staying in and eating, (and staying in and drinking too - grownups know how expensive bars are), you save a lot of money.
There's the initial hardware expense, but if you play regularly, it certainly evens out over time. There's also the fact that movies are still doing well too, and historically entertainment like this has usually done well during recessions. People spend their money on escapist entertainment when times are tough.
As more people game, gaming is certainly going to be a larger average percentage of income (with the exception of children's allowance income during the arcade heyday). Would be interesting to see real stats though.
...Think about it how much a night at the movies costs - tickets are $10-$12 dollars, plus any food you may want (either out to dinner/snacks at the theater). You get 2-4 hours of entertainment, and you're spending $10-$50 (if you ate out) easily PER PERSON....
You've got the EXACT SAME perspective that I have on video gaming. I believe I mentioned it before several months ago in a similiar thread but just to reiterate: This is exactly why I like RPG's even more. I purchased Dragon Age 2 as a "release day" game for 60 bucks. I've easily put over 45 hours into it and will put plenty more. That's about $1.34 an hour. That's a pretty darned good return on my entertainment investment if you ask me. Find a great game with lots of hours of playtime, with multiplayer (= more time) and the return is even more phenomenal.
It's not just in the Western world. I'm in Africa, and I can tell you, it's considerably worse here. But honestly, with good budgeting, a 3DS shall be scored, with enough left over for the munchables.
As for me, I'm a secondary senior, but I'm too young for a part-time job, or work-experience. I don't get an allowance or pocket money as of recent, but I get anything within reason as long as I work hard for it. I don't really buy games much often, so there really is no percentage to be calculated, it's just a pick and go thing - which I'm hoping to change this coming year. Whooo, New Year's Resolutions.
But looking at the 3DS and what it promises to have in store, I'd say about 3 - 7 per cent of a budget should be spared for any luxurious extras. Money's tight, but we can't leave the games!
Gaming isn't that boom-boom in the recession, you do get some value for the quid you let out. So yeah, I may not be old, but I know enough.
Yes, in this day of age, we need to know when to save money, and when to spent it on useless crap. Now back to eating my $300 Lobster, and watch my $2000 TV
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I think for rational thinking we need to break it down into pros and cons. For example. Food has an expiration date and if not used in time spoils where the 3DS will last for years and possibly decades. Based on that point one could say that the monetary value would be retained a lot better then in food (like milk).
Video games are actually much cheaper than they were 20 years ago if you factor in inflation. I remember paying C$90 for SMB3, and it frightens me to think of what that is in today's dollars. Originally, it seemed like it was mainly the rich, spoiled brat kids that had the Game Boys and the like, but now even the poorest kids have gaming systems.
It's not like I have to make the choice between games and food, but oddly I find I do save money on food by gaming, because I get so obsessed with games that I forget about eating. Given the obesity epidemic these days, maybe it's not such a bad thing if people spend money on gaming rather than the recreational eating that's killing so many people.
Edit: Good grief, I had to go check and C$90 in 1990 is the equivalent of C$138 in 2011. I can't believe I paid that much for SMB3 — and I didn't even like the game after I finally got it home and played it! Nowadays, I shudder when I have to spend C$60 on a game.
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