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Why the shift online means the gaming industry needs to offer a great experience to all players

67%

Gamers spend two-thirds of their time playing video games online–with real players over the internet.

73%

Nearly 3 out of 4 gamers expect online gaming to be a larger part of their gaming experience in the future.

The evolving gaming universe

This is the second in a series of three articles exploring gaming’s explosive growth. In this article we explore some of the challenges that such rapid growth, and the shift to gaming online, generates.

When “trash talk” becomes inappropriate behavior

29%

say they have experienced threats (e.g. aggressive or toxic voice or text chat)

25%

say they have experienced gender-based bullying (e.g. sexist comments)

23%

say they have experienced hate speech (e.g. racism, homophobia, transphobia)

Virtual world, real consequences

She/Her, 22, Leicester

“Somebody must have hooked onto the fact that I was a girl and they said that I wasn’t a good asset to the team.”

He/Him, 27, London

“I personally have been a victim...when playing group teams, other members of my team get annoyed and start being racist based on my name and race.”

She/Her, 20, New York

“Women who play video games are often verbally abused or molested online.”

He/Him, 20, Cardiff

“I usually get bullied for the way I speak. People, mainly males, pick up on the fact that maybe I’ve got more of a feminine voice.”

69%

of gamers want companies to do more to prevent toxic behavior and bullying.

29%

of gamers think companies are doing the right amount to prevent toxic behavior and bullying.

70%

of gamers are more likely to play if the game is moderated to eliminate toxicity and bullying.

68%

of gamers are more likely to play if the game provides easy methods to report toxicity and bullying.

The experience imperative

Coming up next

Paul Johnson

Senior Principal – Accenture Research

Paul leads global research for Software & Platforms, creating trends assessments and developing proprietary thought leadership.


Christian Kelly

Managing Director – Strategy, Software & Platforms

Christian works with Communications, Media and Technology leaders to design business strategies that lead to high performance.


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