During the next month-and-a-half, people across the country and around the world will connect for the holiday season.
Families and friends will gather to eat, drink, and be merry in the seasonal spirit.
But among all the food, gift-giving, and holiday cheer, entertainment technology will play a significant social role during the holidays.
Families Connecting Through Video Games
According to a new global survey, families will use video games to better-connect during the holidays.
The survey, which Xbox commissioned through YouGov, indicates more families are using holiday gaming to bond across global and generational gaps.
Among those planning to game during the upcoming holidays, 38 percent listed video games as a top-five family activity.
Xbox says gaming isn’t just for teens anymore.
According to the company, family-friendly games like Minecraft accounted for over 50 percent of games played during the 2021 holidays.
A frequent gamer, actor-comedian Jimmy O. Yang says gaming with family has always been a part of his life.
“I grew up playing video games with my family, so I was excited to partner with Xbox this holiday season,” says Actor Jimmy O. Yang. “I love keeping up with my friends and family. Plus, it keeps me humble to know that my nephew can probably crush me at Fortnite.”
Yang has partnered with Xbox as a spokesperson for the holiday season.
Survey Says:
Xbox says the survey suggests gaming is helping create inter-generational connections.
Among survey respondents who plan to game with family during the holidays, 40 percent plan to do so with their children.
Twenty-one percent plan to game with parents, five percent plan to game with grandparents, and ten percent plan to game with in-laws.
According to 56 percent of respondents, passing video game enjoyment to younger generations is a great tradition.
Seventy-one percent responded that the assortment of available video games means all generations can play.
In addition to using gaming to connect with family, 54 percent of respondents say they play video games to relieve stress.
Xbox says more families gaming together during the holidays represents a new era in gift giving.
Among respondents planning to celebrate the holidays, 30 percent say they prefer giving gifts the whole family can enjoy.