When it comes to determining how long a gaming session lasts, it can take a lot of work to reach an answer. It depends on the type of person playing, the kind of game, how much free time a person has, and their other responsibilities.
If you want to know if your game is for more or less than the average person, this post will tell you everything you need to know about an average gaming session and which factors influence it.
Average gaming session length
As mentioned, it is hard to determine the average gaming session, which varies so much from person to person. It is not like a bingo game length, where there is a clear start and finish; a gaming session can last ten minutes or six hours.
However, most research points to sessions lasting between one and four hours, with gaming binges lasting around five hours. However, several factors can have an impact on these times.
Type of game
The type of game someone plays will affect how long they play. Are you playing a multiplayer game like Call of Duty, where you can play a few games quickly, or are you playing The Witcher, a story-based game that requires a lot more time to move the story forward?
If you have played these different games, you will probably agree that you often put more time into a story game, as that is required to feel like you are making progress.
Online vs. offline
Playing online or offline can also affect how long you play, especially if you play with friends. If you play a game like Warzone, you will often stay on for as long as your friends do, which could be 45 minutes or six hours.
On the other hand, your playtime is more likely to vary playing offline games as there are no obligations to log on and log off, meaning you can play for however long you want.
Work responsibilities
Work is another significant factor in determining how long someone games. Depending on your job and what time you need to sleep and wake up, you may not play during the week or only for 30 minutes to an hour.
This also means you are likely to have binge sessions on the weekend, which could last several hours. The same applies to when you take leave, as you will have more than enough time to play.
Financial constraints
Interestingly, someone’s financial situation could influence how long they game for. If you can only afford one or two games every few months, you aren’t going to play them into the ground and finish them as soon as possible.
Even games with a lot of content, such as The Witcher or Assassin’s Creed, eventually end. Players with tighter budgets may play less to extend the game’s life even more.
Type of gamer
This factor is arguably one of the biggest reasons gaming session times differ. If you are a casual gamer, you will likely play for an hour or two or play to waste some time before going out or while you wait for your partner to get ready or something similar.
On the other hand, if you are a competitive gamer, you will likely play for several hours daily, whether by yourself or with friends. Gaming will also be a more integral part of your daily life and schedule, not just something you do to pass the time.
New content vs. static game
DLC also plays a part in how long someone will game for. If you take a game like Hogwarts Legacy, it has been said that there is no DLC; therefore, when you have done everything, you are finished with the game.
On the other hand, Call of Duty constantly adds new maps, weapons, and events, meaning there is always a reason to play for multiple hours a day, as there is always something new to do.
Outside factors
Finally, secondary factors that can influence your gaming time are things such as being single, having a partner, or having other hobbies. If you are single and live alone, you can spend your time how you want without factoring in another person. Another factor will be if you have any other interests or hobbies. If you are into other things, you are likely spending only some of your free time gaming.
