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New research reveals Aussies are turning to online gaming to stay connected with friends, family and loved ones

PlayStation Australia has today announced new research revealing how online gaming helps Australians stay connected with friends, family, loved ones that they aren’t able to see in person. To help encourage Australians to jump online and connect with a mate, online gaming will be free this coming weekend. 

The research found that over 4.5 million Australian gamers have used online gaming to stay connected to people they haven’t been able to see over the last 18 months. This finding is backed up by a recent report from Telsyte revealing that video game subscriptions have grown by 13% in the last year. 

Other key findings include:

  • Over half (52%) of Australian gamers have used online gaming to stay connected to people they haven’t been able to see over the last 18-months
  • One in two (51%) Australians agree that online gaming has a positive effect on their social life.
  • One in four (25%) gamers are using online gaming as their preferred form of communication to stay connected with friends and family over any other communications platforms.
    • 17% choosing to connect through gaming more than online video call.
    • 14% using it more than phone calls.
    • 14% choosing gaming over social media platforms.
    • 12% opting to stay connected through gaming over texting.
  • Nearly 1 in 10 Australians (8%) surveyed have formed a romantic partnership or bonded with their partner through online gaming.

PlayStation Australia is offering a free weekend of PlayStation Plus, its online multiplayer platform for all Australians this weekend, from 2-4 October 20121.