Often, I see postings for marketing and communication roles with gaming companies. I typically pass them up.

I’m not a gamer. Never have been.

Last week, however, I decided to apply for an interesting role, supporting a casual gaming platform. That afternoon, I thought about my gaming experience.

Yes, I fanatically played Candy Crush for a year or so, waking up in the middle of the night to play. I switched to Candy Crush Soda Saga, which was slightly less addictive. But I’m not a gamer.

My husband, who tested mobile games on various devices for Microsoft, got me started playing Talking Tom and Talking Angela, which was fun, but not as strategic as FarmVille. Within a year, I’d built a sizable town, but became so obsessed with how to better use my crops to acquire more land and buildings, I had to stop.

Even though every night, while simultaneously watching TV, I alternate playing Crossword Jam, Clockwork Brain, Mahjong Solitaire, 2248, Word Serenity, and Bird Sort, I continue to be in denial. I’m not a gamer. 

How did this happen?

According to a study by the University of Mexico, 6-15% of all gamers exhibit signs that could be characterized as addiction, which includes preoccupation with gaming, withdrawal symptoms when gaming isn’t possible, and need to spend more time playing to get the same level of enjoyment.

The most addictive games are multi-player because unlike single player there’s generally no ending and players can submerge themselves into their characters, interacting with others, and strengthening their skills and powers.

All games impact the brain on a neurochemical level, activating dopamine pathways. The sounds, characters, animations, schemes, and ability to accumulate points and move up levels can be irresistible. Most of all, online games are an escape. An opportunity to create and visit fantasy lands, fight in realistic combat environments, and interact in other venues that circumvent real world constraints.

More than 2.7 billion people worldwide play games, making the gaming industry the largest and fastest growing media category by revenue, expected to reach over $376 billion by 2028. The Asia-Pacific region has the highest market share with the most money spent in China, and the highest spend per capita being Japan.

One of the best things about gaming is anyone can play. That includes me.

What about you? What online games hold your interest?

Image created by Fotor, using text to image.