Survey finds game subscriptions and in-game currencies to top children’s Christmas wish lists this year
My UK readers will understand my description when I say my childhood Christmases involved looking through toys from Argos catalog for potential presents, yet this year they seem far less focused on physical toys; according to one survey game subscriptions and in-game currencies are now their top wish.
Gaming remains immensely popular today, particularly among younger generations who have access to consoles like Nintendo Wii U or Playstation 4 Pro. But gaming can be quite costly hobby, and doesn’t end when purchasing the game; often titles feature in-game purchases with cosmetics or weapons available as upgrades for an additional cost allowing access to cosmetic items or aesthetic items that enhance gameplay experience.
Sony and Microsoft both provide customers with monthly/annual subscription services such as PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass that give access to new game releases at significantly reduced costs; these costs still exist as monthly/annual expenses with battle passes being added on top.
Therefore it should come as no shock that a recent Ipsos study on behalf of ESA has revealed that 72% of U.S. children plan on asking Santa for video games this Christmas!
Subscribers make up 39% of those 501 respondents; 38% plan on asking for consoles, 32% intending on asking for gaming equipment/accessories, 29% want virtual currency while 22% want physical video games.
At an adult level, 500 adults aged 18-65 were asked the same question and it revealed that 32% plan to purchase video game-related gifts as holiday presents for themselves or others – each is expected to spend $485 over this season on such items.
“With more than 212 million Americans playing video games regularly, it should come as no surprise that games top this year’s wish lists,” according to ESA president Stan Pierre-Louis.
“Video games provide families a fun, collaborative, and innovative way to play together during holiday gatherings and beyond, connecting through play together.”
