Why are Retro Games Still Popular in Australia

Videogames have come a long way since their inception. The rapid advance in technology has made modern games unbelievably realistic and engaging—some games are so realistic that it looks like the real world and people. CGI (Computer Generated Images) is another technology that made games so cool and realistic, and this tech is also used in movies. Today, you can see people using virtual reality and augmented reality to play games, i.e., they get to play the game physically (with gaming gears and in a restricted area). 

The games have developed so much and have broken all conventional ideas about gaming. What people used to engage in to pass the time have now become big tournaments with thousands of dollars as prize money. But, even after the massive jump in tech and gaming styles, people have not stopped playing retro games in Australia. You heard it right; people still play retro games and are fond of it. 

It is interesting to know that even after these many years, people still love retro games, and it is not just nostalgia that attracts people to this type of game—this article will list the reasons why retro games are still popular.

What’s the status of the gaming community in Australia?

Statistics say that interactive games and esports account for 5.9% of the Australian entertainment and media market (2020). Statistics also states that around 78-86% of people aged 5-34 years, 46-76% of people aged 35-64 years, and 31-47% of people aged 64-95 years play video games.  It is estimated that by the next five years, this share will grow to 6.8%. The gaming sector will be one of the fastest-growing sectors in the future.

So, why are retro games in Australia still so popular?

As the name indicates, the retro games are the games that belonged to an older generation (not that old) called the retro. It is a generation of people who played the games of the initial stage and slightly developed complex ones. You can consider Super Mario and Galaga in this category. It will be nostalgic for people to play these games today, but that’s not the only reason for its popularity.

Affordability is the primary reason.

With high-quality digital games ruling the market, some people still prefer to play retro games as these games are affordable, and you can buy several gaming CDs simultaneously. Several people spend hundreds of dollars on high tech games, but some just need a simple and entertaining game.

It’s accessible for all.

Modern games require a special TV or monitor, gears, plugins, internet, etc., to set up and play. But with retro games, you need a remote controller, game set, and a regular TV.

Playing with real-life friends vs online friends.

Several games of today’s generation are played online, which makes it unnecessary to have someone sit beside you to play the game. Superfast internet and gaming gear makes it easier to play games and interact with online players. But, people who play retro games prefer a person to sit beside them while playing the game and interact with them directly.

And one more reason why people still play these games is that they love the look, feel and music of retro games. Let years pass, but some people will still love to play these games offline and online and enjoy the experience with their friends.