PRESS RELEASE
Research released by PlayStation Australia* has found that Australians are using online gaming to stay connected with friends and family more than ever before. Research by Telyste unveiled earlier this week, has also shown an increase in video game-related subscriptions (up 13% a year ago)** as Aussies look for new ways to stay entertained.
The new consumer research from PlayStation Australia shows that more than 4.5-million Australians are using online gaming to stay connected to family, friends, and loved ones, and that over half a million Australians (669,000) use online gaming as their primary method of communication. Other key findings include:
- Over half (52%) of Australian gamers have used online gaming to stay connected to people they haven’t been able to see over the last 18-months
- 51% of Australians agree that online gaming has a positive effect on their social life.
- One in four (25%) gamers are using online gaming as their preferred form of communication to stay connected with friends and family over any other communications platforms.
○ 17% choosing to connect through gaming more than online video call.
○ 14% using it more than phone calls.
○ 14% choosing gaming over social media platforms.
○ 12% opting to stay connected through gaming over texting. - Nearly 1 in 10 Australians (8%) surveyed have formed a romantic partnership or bonded with their partner through online gaming.
- More than two-thirds (68%) of Australian gamers agreed that online gaming has had a positive impact on their mental health over the past year – 47% of Baby Boomers and 44% of retirees also claim online gaming has helped their mental health.
Pat Lagana, Director of Marketing at Sony Interactive Australia said, “Over the last two years, we have seen Australians connect and reconnect with gaming like never before as people experience the true value of what modern gaming can offer. Online gaming through PlayStation Plus has enabled families to come together, allowed mature audiences to learn new tricks, and most importantly, it has been a consistent and captivating way to escape the world and keep people feeling connected to their families and friends.”
“To enable more people to experience connecting with loved ones in new ways through online gaming, we are delighted to offer Australians the chance to experience the connectivity and enjoyment that online gaming brings on PlayStation for free this weekend,” he concluded.
PlayStation Plus is a subscription service that enables you to play some of the best online multiplayer games through the PlayStation Network, along with benefits such as monthly games, exclusive discounts and more. Free online multiplayer access begins Saturday, October 2 at 12:01 AM AEST and runs to Monday, October 4 at 11:59 PM AEST. Players can simply hop on to their PlayStation console during the free weekend with their favourite multiplayer game*** — no membership commitment is required during this period.
For more information on PlayStation Plus head to PlayStation.com
* The research was conducted by Lonergan Research in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard. Lonergan Research surveyed 1000 Australian Gamers aged 18+. Surveys were distributed throughout Australia including both capital city and non-capital city areas. The survey was conducted online amongst members of a permission-based panel, between 14 and 20 September 2021. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
** Video game subscriptions findings referenced – Telsyte Australian Subscription Entertainment Study 2021
*** Live 2-4 October, 2021 for PS5 and PS4 games with online mode. Internet and PSN account required. Games available sold separately.