Why do we play video games? Study highlights the main reasons why we do this: Buy skins

The Fandom editorial group has revealed the results of its annual study on the world of video games, in which the main reasons why many people play. The results tell us that thepersonal expression is becoming more and more important. The study was born from the analysis of data from Fandom’s 350 million monthly unique visitors, 45 million pages of content and 250,000 wikis.

According to the numbers, the main reason why people gamble is relax and relieve stress (54%). However, personal expression is in second place, with a growth of 10% compared to 2023. More precisely we talk about “creation, imagination and self-expression” (46%). Within games, the top five customization options most sought after by players to express themselves are: character customization (76%), gamertag and username (48%), communication (35%), signatures and emblems (31%) and emotions and gestures (30%).

A life apart

There life as a gamer appears to be different from everyday life. 80% of respondents said their “gamer personality” is different from the one they have in real life. Additionally, 64% said it’s easier to be yourself online than in person.

Other interesting data emerge from the study. For example, 60% of people believe that self-expression in video games is more important than ever, specifically citing titles like Fortnite, Minecraft and Roblox that offer extensive character customization. In short, a treat for those who sell skins and cosmetic content, which abound in all the titles mentioned. Consider that many consider them a form of individual expression. After all, many also consider the communities of various games as safe spaces. A whopping 64%, to be precise. Here they feel free to express themselves more than they could in reality.

“From character customization to cosplay and content creation, video games have allowed players to explore, express and enhance their identities – nearly two-thirds of players say it’s easier to be themselves with a controller in hand,” he said Stephanie Fried, CMO of Fandom. “With the growing importance of gaming as a means of self-expression and evolution, it is vital that brands connect to these motivations to help players bring their game characters to life in the real world.”