Gamers finding pandemic social connection

Gamers spent more than 14 hours per week on average engaged in the pastime. That's according to new data compiled by Accenture and commissioned by NBN Co from among its customers.

For one-in-seven users, gaming was one of their most important online activities, and one-in-10 say it is the most important.

Researchers also found gaming isn't just a source of entertainment - it also helps connect people.

Additional data from the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association shows 43 per cent of Australian parents play online games with their children.

Twenty-five per cent of adult gamers also play with their partners online and more than a quarter share videos of their gameplay online.

Scott Beck, who has been an avid gamer since his youth, said it's a passion he enjoys with his four sons. And the interest has spread to his wife, who recently took up the role of 'controller' in the family's Hobart household.

To serve their gaming needs, the Becks have four gaming PCs, along with consoles and virtual reality equipment.

NBN customers told Accenture they expected to increase their gaming time by up to 50 per cent per year through to 2028.

Three in four were reliant on NBN during COVID-19 to access forms of entertainment or relaxation while about 14 per cent who upgraded their plan during the pandemic did so to support online gaming.

COVID led many NBN users to spend an extra hour a week using online entertainment, including gaming.

The number of NBN users streaming music rose 12 per cent to about 11 hours per week and weekly social media usage was up six per cent to an average of nine hours in the pandemic.

NBN forecasts overall time spent on online activities such as streaming virtual reality, video calls and online gaming will rise nearly 20 per cent by 2028.

"COVID-19 has accelerated the need for access to connectivity and this research highlights how the network is becoming more embedded in our everyday lives," NBN's Brad Whitcomb said.

"We're pleased our customers have expressed that they see additional lifestyle value in the NBN-powered plans they are purchasing from phone and internet providers."

Data from the consumer watchdog, the ACCC, shows NBN powers 89 per cent of Australian home broadband plans and carries 88 per cent of downloads.

Accenture surveyed 2420 users in March 2021 to compile the results.

Australian Associated Press