Turkey: Isolation spurs interest in video games

By Sevgi Ceren Gokkoyun and Mustafa Calkaya

ANKARA (AA) - As many isolate themselves in Turkey amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, interest in video games has skyrocketed, according to head of a gaming and e-sports agency.

"The number of daily active players surged by 40-50% in Turkey, rejuvenating the gaming sector economy," Ozan Aydemir, the founder of Gaming in Turkey, told Anadolu Agency.

Aydemir noted that both the per capita purchase value and number of players spending on games has increased.

"Total game sales jumped 63%," Aydemir said.

Citing to global reports, he said the time allocated for video games also rose by 40%.

"Video game and console game sales went up 52% and 155%, respectively worldwide," Aydemir added.

Since appearing in Wuhan, China, last December, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 185 countries and regions.

The data shows nearly 2 million people have been infected globally, while the death toll has reached 128,000 and recoveries numbering above a half-million.