If you are a gamer, you may have spent too much time on your gaming device and even neglected other duties. If you are a parent, you may also be concerned about the number of hours that your kids spend on gaming.
Let’s be real. Gaming can be addictive, and you may be looking forward to joining the next level. The thrill that comes with unlocking a new level is unmatched. However, you may not know how much time to allocate for gaming and other activities. This article will seek to answer the question of how much time per day is too much to be spent gaming.
What is the average gaming time globally?
- A 2019 report showed gamers spent 7 hours and 7 minutes each week playing various games.
- A 2021 research indicated that Chinese gamers averaged 12.39 weekly hours of gaming.
- Research conducted in the US in 2024 showed that 21% of adults aged 18 to 29 played video games for six to ten hours weekly.
- The same report showed that 8% of the interviewed young players spent 20 hours weekly playing video games. Data from this same report showed that young adults in the US are more likely to spend more time gaming than on YouTube.
Types of Games You Can Play
Games have evolved; you can now choose between online and offline games. The choice of game will depend on preferences, available devices and taste. These are some of the famous games you can play today:
Action Games
Action games involve characters performing various actions. Perfect examples are first-shooter games, in which players battle against characters in the game. Action games are popular with players across different age groups. Most of these games have levels that players have to unlock or attain new powers.
Casino Games
Casino games have become common among players who want to earn real money. However, there are still casino games where players don’t earn real money. Slots are the most common casino games, followed closely by table games such as Blackjack and Roulette.
Playing games like slots is easy. Sometimes, you only need an online account, the best gaming headsets for online casinos, and some loose cash you can spend. Having a budget and learning the game dynamics will ensure you have a good time online.
Strategy Games
Strategy games are for thinkers and strategic decision-makers. The action you take influences the next cause of action. StarCraft and Age of Empire are examples of real-time strategy games where players build and control armies in real-time. Another category is where players take turns to make strategic decisions.
Sports Games
These simulate real sports like football, car and horse racing. FIFA, Madden NFL Series, NBA Live Series and Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) are examples of sports games. Most games allow you to play against friends, machines or online players.
How much time is too much?
No definite answer exists on how much gaming is “too much”, as individual circumstances differ. Professional gamers can spend 6-8 hours gaming as that might be their career. This time may reduce or increase, depending on the nature of the games and the leagues you are competing in.
Playing 1-2 hours per day is considered moderate for adults. Children and teens should also get 1-2 hours of screen time daily. Learning how to split gaming and other screen time activities is a skill that every parent should have.
Signs of Excessive Gaming
- Social Withdraw: If you find yourself in a situation where you only want to be gaming, you are an excessive gamer.
- Physical Symptoms: Sore eyes and back pain due to excessive screen time are indicators that you are gaming too much.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Have you found yourself in a situation where you would rather sit on your gaming chair rather than complete chores you used to do effortlessly? That is a sign of addiction.
- Mental Health Impact: The time you spend gaming and the nature of games you play might impact your mental health. If you become easily irritable, you should review your gaming duration.
You will not likely find a definite answer on how much is “too much” when gaming. Analyze the circumstances and the type of gamer that you are. Ensure you balance gaming with other daily tasks, such as work and social activities.