Many of us pressed play on video games during COVID-19 crisis. Here's our best games of 2020

Perhaps because many Americans were stuck at home during the global coronavirus pandemic, U.S. consumers spent more than $33.7 billion on video games in the first three quarters of 2020, according to research firm The NPD Group. That's an increase of more than 20% compared the $27.9 billion spent in the same period in 2019. Perhaps it's no surprise, NPD forecasts a 24% percent increase in holiday game spending compared to last year. Spending could be even higher except new consoles – the Microsoft Xbox Series X and S and PlayStation 5 (with Blu-ray Disc drive or disc drive-free digital version) – constantly sold out after November debuts. If you're looking for something to gift a gamer, or to treat yourself to something new to play during a "staycation," USA TODAY's Marc Saltzman, Brett Molina and Mike Snider recommend a handful of games, divided into various age groups (but be sure to read the recommended age rating before you buy).