A recent study commissioned by Logitech G has revealed a growing worldwide attitude of support for those seeking pathways into esports and professional gaming, with nearly two-thirds of those surveyed advocating for more educational pathways for competitive gaming, and over half regard professional gaming to be a legitimate career path.
The global study, which aimed to gauge generational and regional attitudes towards professional gaming, found these attitudes most predominantly shared by younger generations, with support coming from 67% of Gen Z and 60% of Millennials. Older generations were less supportive however, with only 37% of Baby Boomers sharing the same opinion.
The generation gap
Interestingly, a wide disparity was shown to exist between regional attitudes, even amongst those belonging to the same generational group. In Germany for instance, just one in five Baby Boomers consider professional gaming to be a legitimate career, whilst nearly three-quarters of Baby Boomers in China held the opposite opinion.
Derek Perez, Global Communications Gaming lead at Logitech G, comments: “This research shows how far esports and gaming have come – not only as entertainment, but as a genuine path to personal and professional success. However, more can be done to support younger generations in pursuing careers in professional gaming.
“The more companies like Logitech support athletes and the industry overall, the more opportunities there will be for people around the world to pursue roles in esports.”
The evolution of professional gaming careers
Whilst overall opinions in the Logitech G PRO Series Survey suggest that gaming careers are becoming more culturally accepted, it still evidently lacks the institutional legitimacy associated with traditional “white-collar” professions, such as healthcare professionals, lawyers and teachers/lecturers.
Professional gaming, by contrast, is viewed as being on par with entertainment professions, such as musicians, actors, and entertainers.
One telling aspect of the study which may account for these perceptions is the absence of academic qualifications. One in five respondents believed that a lack of formal qualifications or education requirements are the main reasons people don’t see professional gaming as a real career.
Other detractions highlighted by the study included: perceived financial risk, competitiveness of the industry and lack of parental and societal support. Combined, these concerns led to very few respondents saying they would actively encourage young people to pursue professional gaming.
Nevertheless, the survey does highlight a general recognition of the physical and mental demands of competitive gaming, with more than a third (37%) globally supporting the addition of the sport in the Olympic Games. Moreover, 47% of those surveyed think that schools should include esports classes in the curriculum alongside traditional sports.
Appreciating the skills required to succeed
People increasingly see a career in professional gaming as mentally demanding (84%), while more than half (55%) agree it is a physically demanding career.
The dedication to training and development in professional gaming is also being recognised, with more than a quarter of people thinking gamers spend 10 – 12 hours per day grafting – far exceeding the traditional “9 to 5” working day.
Barriers to entry
Worldwide, there are calls for more coaching and educational routes to professional gaming careers. Most people globally (65%) think there should be formal education pathways for careers in esports and professional gaming from universities, colleges and specialist courses.
Derek Perez concludes: “Ensuring access to training, facilities, and technology is essential in ensuring the continued growth of careers in professional gaming. As a leader in gaming technology, Logitech G is committed to empowering everyone – from aspiring esports stars to everyday gamers – with gear designed for precision and reliability.
“With products like the PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE, the first gaming mouse to feature a Haptic Inductive Trigger System, and the Logitech G512 X TMR Analog/Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, our most versatile keyboard ever, we help all gamers perform at their best, whether competing on the world stage or building skills for life beyond the game.”
For more information about the range of Logitech G products available, visit the official Logitech G website.
