Video games are a popular pastime in New Zealand. It’s easy to think of this entertainment sector as child’s play, but that’s not exactly what the statistics tell us. The average age of gamers in New Zealand is 34, and 43 per cent of people over the age of 65 now play video games. This is 32 per cent more than in 2013. So the average age is distorted for older players, and all other players are children? Obviously not; 78 per cent of people playing online games are over the age of 18.
Breaking myths
The next myth that needs to be broken is that video games are a man’s hobby. This may have been the case in the days of single-player console games, but in the more sociable online gaming world, almost half of the players are women. Playing video games is part of the normal use of media, along with watching television and movies, listening to music and podcasts, and participating in social media.
The average time spent playing video games every day is 88 minutes. Most people don’t play in a solid block. Gamers tend to play about ten minutes at a time, three times a day casually, and then devote about an hour a day to in-depth play.
Although these data show that children do not make up the majority of people playing online games, there is no denying that video games are incredibly popular among young people. A survey on children’s media use showed that 76 per cent of children chose video games as their preferred entertainment, with YouTube viewing coming in second place. It’s nice to know that 79 per cent of gamers who have children play games with their children, and parents usually keep an eye on what games their children play. Two thirds of adults are always around when they buy games, and about half are familiar with parental controls.
In the past, people thought games were antisocial, but now that’s not the case, and a quarter of adult players say they play games with their partners.
What’s in it for the state?
All these people playing games have benefited the New Zealand economy, and the Game Developers Association says that this sector is one of the most valuable industries in the country. In recent years, annual growth has been between 20 and 30 per cent, and by 2026 the industry should become an industry with a turnover of one billion dollars. Video games are rapidly becoming one of New Zealand’s largest exports, generating more revenue than wool. Stephen Knightley, chief operating officer of Rocketwerkz, said the gaming industry is one of New Zealand’s “hidden gems” and generates more than $400 million a year. The award-winning sector is significantly larger than in Australia.
Annoying neighbour
However, there are concerns in the industry that their larger neighbour, Australia, has its eye on online game developers and is offering attractive tax breaks and incentives to encourage companies to get back on their feet or start new ones. The game studios are there. In addition, game studios say their Australian counterparts are trying to poach staff. PikPok, a Wellington-based company, says it has lost 15 of its 200,000-strong team to Australia since the beginning of the year.
Another direction in the online world
Another area of online gaming that has been developing rapidly lately is online casino games. New Zealanders have always loved playing slot machines, and the rapid proliferation of online gambling sites is making these games more and more accessible. Mobile phone technology and fantastic connectivity mean that the average adult in the country has a mobile casino in their pocket.
There are many factors influencing the popularity of the game on online casino sites. These include a wide range of games for every taste and an improved user interface, which means that the games look fantastic and are easy to access and play. Most online gambling platforms offer versions of their websites or casinos in the form of applications optimized for mobile devices. AxeCasino is one. Some of the leading developers create games focused on mobile devices, which means that games work best on smartphones.
With the increasing interest in online gambling in New Zealand, the involvement of reputable operators like Axe Casino becomes crucial in maintaining player trust and safety. By complying with local regulations and promoting responsible gambling practices, Axe Casino not only enhances the entertainment value for Kiwis but also contributes to the overall integrity of the online gambling landscape in the country. As the regulatory framework evolves, players can expect a more secure and enjoyable environment, further solidifying the role of online casinos in New Zealand’s digital entertainment ecosystem.
Payment options
Data and payment security may have bothered players in the past, but the most advanced security measures in the field of encryption and artificial intelligence mean that gamers can play safe knowing that their data is safe. The options around payment methods continue to grow as well.
Players who are unwilling or unable to make a deposit to their casino account using digital banking applications can still join the game. Smart fintech applications have been developed to allow you to exchange cash for vouchers that can be used to pay for deposits. In land-based casinos or slot machines, cash was exchanged for chips or tokens for playing slots or gaming tables. PaysafeCard allows players to pay in cash for vouchers at participating retail outlets. They then use the codes on the coupons to make deposits to their digital casino account.
A smart approach to gambling: set limits and have fun
The game should be fun, whether for real money or just to pass the time. No wonder it’s called entertainment. There are concerns that all forms of gaming can be addictive, so it is recommended to take breaks and diversify the use of media. People are advised to set a budget and not spend more than they can afford. In online gambling, the advice is never to bet more than you can afford to lose, and consider any winnings as a bonus.
