MAYBVM

14 15 OPENING LINES programs from Alienware TV to Alienware Arena, and more -Alienware has stood side by side with the community as it has grown. As the figurative face of gaming has changed, so has who people think of as a “gamer.” Looking to set the record straight on the profile of today’s players, Alienware partnered with a third-party research firm, Researchscape, to conduct an ex- tensive online survey of 5,763 video game players from 11 countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, New Zealand, UK, and U.S.) on today’s gaming habits, attitudes, and the wider gaming community. To qualify for the study, respondents had to play videogames on desktops or laptops for at least an hour a week. The survey results confirm, today’s gamer is not the stereotypical teen loner playing in his par- ents’ basement. He’s a coworker with two kids, the woman at the gym, a fellow volunteer – and most commonly, a spouse, sibling, or friend. But they all have in common that they proudly call them- selves a “gamer.” Gone are the days that being called a “gamer” is derogatory. According to those surveyed, fewer than one in 10 feel either “judged,”“childish” or “embarrassed” being called a “gamer” (8-9% each). Instead, they consider “gamer” a positive label and feel “fun” (35%), “cool” (29%), or “excited” (26%) as a result. Through online platforms and social media, fueled by the popularity of esports and innova- tions in PC gaming rigs, the gaming community is growing in size, diversity, and inclusiveness. Gamers are not shy about sharing their love of gaming with others and inviting others to share in the enjoyment, with 27% having introduced three to four friends or family members to gam- ing, and 25% having introduced five or more.With the accelerated pace at which gaming is going mainstream, it’s safe to bet those unfamiliar with gaming will start to see it pop up in their daily lives before they know it. Why do people say they game? People are increasingly turning to videogames for relaxation (60% of respondents), passing the time (51%), and relieving stress (49%). A little under half (40%) of gamers are not concerned with their skill level, yet ironically, no one likes to identify as a “noob” (gamer code for the new kid on the block). Just under 6% identified as noobs, while 14% consider themselves to be just beyond noob level; 40% identify as casual gamers, 25% as “pretty darn good”, and 8% feel they can compete with pro gamers. And a fun fact - gaming for a living can net a pretty penny with some of the top players bringing in as much as $500,000 a month for their videos. Once the dominion of young men, gaming has become a welcoming community, accepting of whoever is behind the computer.When it comes