With more than 3 in 10 from Northern Ireland playing video games every day, smartphone brand OPPO reveals the region’s gaming habits
- New research reveals we’re a region of gamers, with more than 3 in 10 people in Northern Ireland saying they play video games every day (38%). Another 8% say they game at least once a week.
- Northern Irish respondents admit to secretly gaming on their phones at weddings, at work at their desk or even at school events involving their children
- Gaming on the go is on the rise, with the top gaming occasions including whilst using the bathroom/toilet (35%) and in-between household chores (32%) or whilst commuting (32%).
- We’ll be gaming home for Christmas, with nearly 2 in 10 Northern Irish people (17%) admitting they’ll be playing games during their journey home
- The positive impacts of gaming are evident, with a half saying gaming provides good stimulation for the mind and nearly half (46%) saying it provides a good way for them to switch off and manage stress.
From secretly gaming on our phones at weddings or in work meetings, OPPO, a leading global smartphone brand, reveals the region’s gaming habits and attitudes towards gaming.
The results reveal that gaming on the go is on the rise, with the top gaming occasions including whilst using the bathroom/toilet (35%), in between household chores (32%) or using train or bus (32%). Surprisingly, 3 in 10 Northern Irelanders admit to secretly gaming on their phones while waiting to pick their children up from school (30%) and at the hospital/doctor’s surgery (24%). We’ll be gaming home for Christmas too, with 17% of Northern Irish people admitting they’ll be playing games during their journey home with 1 in 10 reporting (29%) that they’ll be spending every day of the Christmas holidays gaming between Christmas Eve and 3rd January, taking refuge from their family Christmas plans.
Gaming is overwhelmingly seen as a positive part of our lives, with many people in Northern Ireland seeing it as a good way to relax (35%). Almost two quarters say it’s a way of connecting and bringing people together (37%), and 46% of Northern Irish people suggest it’s beneficial for mental health.
Psychologist Lee Chambers, comments “It’s positive to see the nation finding gaming a good way to relax and manage stress, helping to debunk the stereotype around gaming which is arguably seen as unhealthy by some. In fact, there is evidence that video games can in fact improve mental health, and the rise of multi-player experiences provide people with a way to socialise and feel part of a community.”
Smartphones are by far the most popular way to game, with nearly three quarters of gamers in London (65%) using their smartphones, followed by laptop/PCs (58%) and home game consoles (49%). Gamers who use their smartphones do so for convenience (59%), as a good way to pass the time waiting for others (55%), and as a discreet way to game where the want to (41%).
Chambers continues, “Gaming via our smartphones allows us to fit this into our everyday lives, where and when we want to. For many of us, immersing ourselves in a game is a great form of escapism from the stresses of daily life, allowing us to switch off and wind down.”
Northern Ireland’s top 10 gaming occasions:
- In the bathroom/toilet (35%)
- In between household chores (32%)
- On the train or bus (32%)
- While waiting to pick up children from school or/and clubs (30%)
- In spare moments at work desk (24%)
- In hospital or doctor’s surgery (24%)
- Bathroom (24%)
- While commuting (15%)
- In the bath (9%)
- In the pub/café/restaurant (9%)
The research, commissioned by OPPO, celebrates how smartphones provide an affordable on-the-go gaming experience. The hero addition to the OPPO A Series, the OPPO A54 5G, is designed to balance work and play for UK customers. 3 in 10 (28%) admit a better internet connection will improve their gaming experience, and with 5G connectivity, gaming on the go is more viable with improved latency. The A54 5G also features all-around Smart Power Saving hardware and software features, and a day and a half of battery life, meaning there are fewer reasons for a pit stop at home and even more to stay connected and game whilst on-the-move.
Anna Morgan, OPPO UK Marketing Director comments “Our focus is to inspire customers to explore new possibilities with the latest technology, including providing an optimal gaming experience. With the rise of hybrid working and people getting used to commuting more, our handsets come with superfast charging and full 5G capability, providing users with the perfect companion to experience gaming on the go. What’s more, the OPPO A54 5G offers high-end technology at a wallet-friendly price.”
