Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Photo via Blizzard Entertainment

Watching and playing video games will overtake traditional sports, if gamers have their way

A new report explores gamer enthusiasm on watching competitive video games.
This article is over 7 years old and may contain outdated information

Gamers have spoken: A new report revealed that gamers think watching and playing video games will surpass watching and playing sports by 2022.

Recommended Videos

Global brand experience agency Momentum Worldwide surveyed 2,600 people on gaming habits, including opinions on watching and playing competitive video games. The study showed that gamers consider their hobby mainstream, with 75 percent of respondents stating that gaming will always be a part of their lives.

Likewise, 53 percent of people believe gaming should be considered an official sport and believe folks will continue to spend more time watching and playing games than they do with sports.

And it’s not slowing down as they age—35 percent of people said they play more video games than they did when they were younger.

“These results show there is real opportunity in the business of gaming,” Momentum Worldwide CEO Chris Weil said in a statement. “The industry is huge and should be treated with the same respect as you would a top league football game. Whether it’s a live event or an online gaming forum, the experience should be the most important thing. The competitive side of gaming is going to overtake mainstream sports in a few years and brands need to be ready to become a part of that.”

Of the people surveyed, 28 percent would also rather be the best at their respective game over being a famous actor or athlete. And that makes sense: Certain League of Legends or Dota 2 personalities are just as popular as celebrities. It’s not all that different, especially in such a tech-heavy world.

Esports revenue continues to grow as the industry emerges. Marketing research firm Newzoo predicted in a February report that revenue will increase 41 percent in 2017. By 2020, there will be billions of dollars to be made in global revenue.

Esports fans spend less money, on average, than sports fans—but as the industry grows, that could change. And if fans are to be believed, the sky is the limit.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Nicole Carpenter
Nicole Carpenter
Nicole Carpenter is a reporter for Dot Esports. She lives in Massachusetts with her cat, Puppy, and dog, Major. She's a Zenyatta main who'd rather be playing D.Va.