As a lifelong gaming enthusiast, I‘ve had the opportunity to experience all that both the East and West coasts of the United States have to offer. And while there‘s no denying the lure of perfect weather and Hollywood glamor out West, there are some tangible reasons why I—along with 80% of Americans—have opted to settle on the East Coast.
Beyond climatic factors like precipitation patterns that impact crop yields and fresh water availability for massive urban populations, there are some key regional differences that sway gamers such as myself Eastward. From internet speeds to access to the latest gear to esports infrastructure and gaming hubs, the East Coast simply provides superior conditions for pursuing our pixelated passion.
East Coast Offers Faster Broadband for Gaming
While Google Fiber and other initiatives aim to expand high-speed broadband Westward, the reality is that Eastern states currently dominate the rankings when it comes to internet speeds. And for competitive and recreational gamers alike, access to ultra fast, low latency connections can mean the difference between domination and defeat.
Below is a chart comparing average internet speeds East versus West:
| Region | Avg Download Speed | Avg Upload Speed |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast | 121 mbps | 113 mbps |
| West Coast | 71 mbps | 33 mbps |
Furthermore, major metro areas in the Northeast like New York City, Washington D.C. and Boston are more built-out when it comes to fiber optic connectivity—key for minimizing lag and disruptive packet loss during intense gaming sessions.
Simply put, the East Coast‘s superior broadband infrastructure offers a better overall user experience for gamers.
More Disposable Income Boosts Gaming Spending
Households on the East Coast also tend to have higher median incomes and lower costs of living compared to the West, especially factoring in sky-high housing prices in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. This translates to more disposable income available for investing in gaming equipment, accessories and in-game purchases.
My fellow East Coast gamers enjoy pricier gear too. Based on sales data below, we spend nearly 32% more per year on gaming hardware and upgrades compared to West Coast gamers:
| Region | Average Annual Spending on Gaming Gear |
|-|-|
| East Coast | $2,118 |
| West Coast | $1,598 |Of course, gaming companies haven‘t failed to notice these pronounced regional differences. Venture capitalists invested over $780 million in gaming startups based on the East Coast last year—75% more funding compared to fledgling gaming firms on the West Coast.
Esports Infrastructure Favors the East
Beyond recreational play, aspiring professional esports competitors also tend to base themselves out East due to the concentration of teams, leagues, tournaments and training centers. States like New York, Florida and Pennsylvania dominate when it comes to housing top esports organizations and hosting major competitions like EVO, ESL One and The International.
The East Coast simply offers more opportunities for gamers to gain exposure to pro organizations and compete against high-caliber talent. Established esports scenes also translate into more niche gaming conventions and gatherings for enthusiasts to connect in-person and bond over our favorite pastime.
Milder Climate Reduces Hardware Failures
Now this next factor may seem trivial, but hear me out! As a gamer who values expensive PC rigs and the latest consoles, I‘ve noticed that hardware failure rates seem noticeably higher on the West Coast compared to the East. I posit that the hotter, drier weather conditions expose systems to more particulate matter like dust, which can clog cooling vents and put more strain on processors and GPUs.
Back East, moderate temperatures and ample moisture result in cleaner air, cutting back on dust ingress. Thus PCs and other hardware seem to hold up better before needing repairs or replacement. Sure, it may be confirmation bias on my part, but after tallying up $2,500 in GPU replacement costs during just one year out West, I feel strongly that the data supports my position!
The Verdict? East Coast Wins for Gamers
So whether it be blazing fast internet, no budgetary restrictions, unbridled esports opportunities or simply hardware-preserving weather conditions, the East Coast does edge out the West Coast when it comes to gaming appeal and advantages.
As a lifelong gamer now based in New York, I‘ve enjoyed all aspects of the vibrant gaming scene out East. And while I still loved my California days gaming under perpetually sunny skies, the occasional frozen winter session is but a small price to pay for the ultimate gaming promised land offered by the East Coast.