As people across the world acclimatise to a life indoors, many are returning to, or picking up, video games as a method of escapism.

As a result, you’d be forgiven for thinking that, while multiple industries are facing their biggest challenges yet, gaming appears to be thriving during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Indeed, a recent study from Verizon shows a 115% increase so far in gaming usage in the US alone compared to a typical day before Covid-19. Meanwhile, online game platforms and live streaming services continue to smash their own records for concurrent users throughout March and April.

However, dig a little deeper and the impact of the virus on this sector is much more complex, massively benefitting some areas of the industry while leaving other parts to struggle.

I’ll be taking a look at the ups and downs gaming has had so far during the outbreak and what might be yet to come as brands begin to adapt to a considerable shift in the way customers are consuming their products.

This article will cover changes in demand, supply chain and inventory issues, event cancellations and the impact on marketing, the impact on smaller studios, how games are adapting and how brands are giving back.