New research reveals Cambridge is a city of gamers, with over a third (36%) reporting that they play video games two to three days a week and 31% saying they play a whopping four to six days per week.
From secretly gaming on our phones at weddings or in work meetings, OPPO, a leading global smartphone brand, reveals the nation’s gaming habits and attitudes towards gaming.
The results reveal that the people of Cambridge love to mix work and play, with the top gaming occasions including during spare moments at their work desk (72%), waiting to pick their children up from school (67%) and in work meetings (54%) .
Surprisingly, nearly half of respondents admit to secretly gaming on their phones during weddings (44%), during children’s events such as the nativity play or sports games (40%) or even while in the bathroom (7%). We’ll be gaming over the Christmas holidays too, with the average person from Cambridge (44%) playing at least three – four days between Christmas Eve and 3rd January, taking refuge from their family Christmas plans.
Gaming is overwhelmingly seen as a positive part of our lives, with over a fifth of people from Cambridge seeing it as a good way to relax (22%) and nearly two thirds see it as a hobby that positively impacts their mental health (64%). Many in the city also love the social aspect of the activity, with 65% saying it’s a great way to keep in touch with friends.
Psychologist Lee Chambers, comments “It’s positive to see the nation finding gaming a good way to relax and manage stress, helping to debunk the stereotype around gaming which is arguably seen as unhealthy by some. In fact, there is evidence that video games can in fact improve mental health, and the rise of multi-player experiences provide people with a way to socialise and feel part of a community.”
Laptops/PCs are by far the most popular way to game, with the majority (76%) using theirs, followed by smartphones (75%), followed by home game consoles (72%.) Gamers who use their smartphones do so for convenience (97%), as a discreet way to game where the want to (69%), and as a good way to pass the time waiting for others (64%).
Chambers continues, “Gaming via our smartphones allows us to fit this into our everyday lives, where and when we want to. For many of us, immersing ourselves in a game is a great form of escapism from the stresses of daily life, allowing us to switch off and wind down.”
Cambridge top 10 gaming occasions
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In spare moments at work desk (72%)
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Waiting to pick children up from school and/or clubs (67%)
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In a work meeting (54%)
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At a wedding (44%)
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At one of their children’s events (40%)
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In between household chores (10%)
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In bathroom/toilet (7%)
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In the bath (7%)
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On the train or bus (6%)
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Doctor’s surgery/hospital (4%)
The research, commissioned by OPPO, celebrates how smartphones provide an affordable on-the-go gaming experience. The hero addition to the OPPO A Series, the OPPO A54 5G, is designed to balance work and play for UK customers. 6 in 10 (67%) Cambridge gamers admit a better internet connection will improve their gaming experience, and with 5G connectivity, gaming on the go is more viable with improved latency. The A54 5G also features all-around Smart Power Saving hardware and software features, and a day and a half of battery life, meaning there are fewer reasons for a pit stop at home and even more to stay connected and game whilst on-the-move.
Anna Morgan, OPPO UK Marketing Director comments “Our focus is to inspire customers to explore new possibilities with the latest technology, including providing an optimal gaming experience. With the rise of hybrid working and people getting used to commuting more, our handsets come with superfast charging and full 5G capability, providing users with the perfect companion to experience gaming on the go. What’s more, the OPPO A54 5G offers high-end technology at a wallet-friendly price.”
For more information, please visit https://oppostore.co.uk/
*Research commissioned by OPPO and carried out by Mortar Research, of 2,000 Britons, in November 2021