In recent years, the gaming industry in the United States of America has witnessed a significant transformation, fueled by technological advancements, evolving player preferences, and changing legal landscapes. From the legalisation of betting and gambling in various states to the rise of diverse gaming genres that captivate millions, the American gaming scene is more vibrant and expansive than ever.
The popularity of gaming in the USA
In the United States of America, gaming is a prevalent form of entertainment that captivates a significant portion of the population. A remarkable 215 million individuals, encompassing a diverse range of ages and backgrounds, regularly engage in video gaming.
According to Statista, figures show that around 70% of adults in America in October 2022 played video games on at least one platform. Whether it’s casual mobile games or competitive esports, the interactive and immersive nature of video games has cemented them as a central pillar in the U.S. entertainment landscape.
- Open world games
Open world games have long held a cherished place in the heart of American gamers, offering immersive worlds where players can freely roam and explore a map however they wish to. Some of the most notable open world games which have been released over the years include Minecraft, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Another standout example and immensely popular game, Grand Theft Auto V, was developed by Rockstar Games, a studio headquartered in New York. The GTA series plunges players into a gritty, open-world environment where they navigate life as a criminal in a satirical rendition of American urban life. This instalment in the GTA video game series has become one of the best-selling video games of all time with its open world of San Andreas and ‘Los Santos’, based on Los Angeles.
Reflecting the popularity of this title, another set of gaming statistics from Statista shows that GTA V reached 207 thousand concurrency players on Steam as of June 2023, further exemplifying the impact of open world games on players around the world.
- Battle royale games
Battle Royale games, a genre that places players in a shrinking play area where they must compete to be the last person or team standing, have taken the gaming world by storm, and the United States has been a central player in this trend.
A prime example of this genre’s success is Call of Duty’s Battle Royale mode, developed by various American studios under the franchise’s publisher, Activision.
This mode catapulted the storied Call of Duty series into the fiercely competitive Battle Royale scene, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. The appeal of Battle Royale games lies in their intense, fast-paced nature, and the blend of strategy and action they demand. They offer a unique, adrenaline-fueled experience that has captivated a massive and dedicated player base across the globe.
- Casino games
Just behind the United Kingdom, the United States had one of the largest online gambling markets in 2021 by gross gaming revenue, with $11 billion to the UK’s $12.5 billion. With Las Vegas being one of the most popular gambling locations in the world, it’s no surprise that casino games are some of the most popular games to play in the United States.
The popularity of traditional table games like blackjack and poker has partially developed due to the growing popularity of televised game tournaments such as the World Poker Tour (WPT) founded in the United States. In December this year, the WPT World Championship will be held at the iconic Wynn Las Vegas and will be streamed across a variety of platforms.
The growth of online betting and gaming in the US can also be partially attributed to global entertainment leaders who have first made their name in the land-based casino industry. For example, while BetMGM recently launched online for sports betting and casino gaming, the brand is part of one of the most recognisable resort brands in the world, MGM Resorts.
Renowned for famous casinos like the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and the ARIA, MGM Resorts has launched its new online venture across the US in states such as New York, Colorado, Ohio, Nevada, and more following the legalisation of sports betting. Their BetMGM New York sportsbook currently makes up one of nine live sportsbooks in the Empire State that are regulated and legal.
- Sports games
Holding a special place in the hearts of players around the world, sports games offer fans a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of their favourite teams or sports stars. From executing a perfect goal in the FIFA series to racing down the Formula One track at blistering speeds with the F1 series, these games allow players to experience the thrill of competition from the comfort of their living rooms.
A major player in this genre is Electronic Arts (EA), a California-based gaming giant. EA is responsible for the creation of a wide range of beloved sports-related games, including the FIFA series, F1 series, and NHL series. These titles don’t just simulate sports; they create engaging, immersive experiences that draw millions of players around the globe, echoing the universal appeal of the sports they represent.
EA is also well known for other video game series including the iconic The Sims and has also received recognition over the years for its inclusive workplace as well as its game titles. In their recent impact report for 2023, EA was recognised among the World’s Best Employers, Most Innovative Companies in Gaming, and America’s Most Trustworthy Companies by the likes of Forbes, Fortune, and Newsweek.
