The pandemic has driven sports fans to online gaming
By Maurice Garvey
THE pandemic has driven many sports fans online with nearly one third of Dublin respondents replacing real sports with online gaming, according to a survey by Citywest firm Pure Telecom.
A survey of 1,000 people, carried out by Censuswide for the broadband and telecoms provider, found the 18-23 year old age group was the most likely to turn to esports, with the average person spending around five hours a week gaming online.
Paul Connell, CEO of Pure Telecom
Up to 14 per cent even said they spent more than 10 hours a week playing or watching computer games. Interestingly, 26 per cent of overall respondents would consider pursuing a career as a professional gamer or video game streamer – an option more compelling for a third of males (33 per cent) compared to a fifth of females.
The statistics collected also show that the average person was expecting to spend €277 on online gaming in the new year.
Projected expenditure on online gaming over the next 12 months, rose to €351 for males, and €496 for respondents in the 18-23 demographic.
The release of the survey findings comes as consumers scramble to get their hands on the highly coveted PlayStation 5 consoles, currently priced between €400-500 with limited availability nationwide.
The average time spent watching others gaming online via apps like Twitch and YouTube was four hours each week by respondents.
Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom said: “Over the course of 2020, I think we all grew to appreciate the plethora of entertainment options at our disposal, from streaming to online gaming – all of which hinge on reliable, seamless broadband connectivity.
“Our survey also highlighted some interesting findings in terms of the number of respondents who would consider online gaming as a career. The value of being able to generate a sustainable income from home has never been higher, and I would encourage anyone with the ambition to make their passion their life’s work to go for it. Fortune favours the brave.”
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