Spring Trends in Gaming 2010: “When don’t I play?”

Xbox 360 paves the way in gaming this semester as one of the more frequently played consoles; but do not write off the PC just yet, as the popularity of online games like “World of Warcraft” and “Diablo 3” keeps interest in this tried and true platform strong. Gaming is a fun outlet for the trials of daily life, as well as a fun way to connect with friends via the latest massively-multiplayer role playing game (MMORPG) or this season’s popular first person shooter game, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.” Some gamers take a casual approach to this well-loved activity, opting to play with friends, and other gamers have a high score waiting for them as soon as they have a spare minute.

“When don’t I play?” replies Stephen Bryant when asked when he most frequently plays. Play time largely seems to have slowed down for many gamers since the start of the school semester, with work and school taking a priority before chilling to video games. When balancing academic responsibilities and gaming, he adds, “It’s hard but it gets done. I find the time to play and work.”

Popular genres this season follow the recent releases of the record-breaking first person shooter “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2”, and the reigning king of popular online RPGs, “World of Warcraft.” First person shooters and RPGs were popular choices with action-packed third person shooters close behind.

When asked about preferences toward single player games or multiplayer games, the response was mixed-many agreed that there was a good amount of depth and immersion in single player games, but many still appreciated the social aspect of multiplayer games. “It’s always fun to play with friends,” says gamer Sarah Warner.

Most anticipated games to play this season included the third-person action fest “God of War 3,” the newest installment of the popular online “Diablo” series, “Diablo 3” and “Bioshock 2.” Splinter Cell: Conviction was also among the upcoming releases that gamers are eager to play.