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Nielsen: 12% of gamers are eSports fans

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Nielsen

eSports is growing at a ridiculously fast pace. With tournament prize pools overtaking traditional sports, and major events selling out huge arenas, it’s looking like eSports is becoming mainstream. But not all gamers are convinced yet.

According to research company Nielsen via Games Industry, only 12% of gamers consider themselves eSports fans. In comparison with the general population, it’s even more niche.

According to Nielsen, only 10 per cent of the population consider themselves “fans” of eSports, and within that niche 81 per cent are “more likely” to be male.

Nielsen also observed that eSports fans have a higher average income: $69,000, “making them an attractive audience for marketers.” And expectations for the sector are high, with Newzoo projecting $765 million in annual revenues by the end of 2018.

While gaming itself has become increasingly universal, it seems eSports fans have remained true to the gamer stereotype: male with plenty of money to burn. I’d be curious to see how that changes over time and how it compares with traditional sports fandom. While I know some diehard rugby fans who are women, it does still seem to be predominantly a male thing. Perhaps sports and eSports are simply more compelling for men than women, or maybe this will change as eSports evolves and grows its degree of spectator value.

Even more surprising to me was the fact that while 12% of gamers are eSports fans, only 38% are aware of eSports but not fans. That means about half of all gamers aren’t even aware that eSports exists – talk about an untapped market. Time for eSports to raise even more awareness and maybe draw in a whole bunch more fans. At least, unless that 50% are all like Geoff and have zero interest in watching other people play games, no matter how good they are.

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Last Updated: April 15, 2016

9 Comments

  1. Greylingad[CNFRMD]

    April 15, 2016 at 15:53

  2. Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

    April 15, 2016 at 15:54

    Does Geoff have a gaming church where we can follow his teachings?

    Reply

    • justlikemo

      April 15, 2016 at 16:12

      teach us o wise master

      Reply

    • Strawman Jim

      April 15, 2016 at 20:42

      Geoff will make gaming great again.

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0

        April 18, 2016 at 08:01

        XD Build a wall to keep Mobas out

        Reply

  3. Kromas untamed

    April 15, 2016 at 15:59

    I only enjoy Battle Royal style tournaments like SotF and DayZ Survivor GameZ

    Reply

  4. GooseZA

    April 15, 2016 at 16:32

    As with actual sports (yes I said it) I think it largely depends what game you’re into. Rugby fanatics don’t watch a lot of tennis or cycling etc. Same with gaming. I don’t play any MOBAS so for the most part, watching LoL or DotA just doesn’t do it for me. I understand the principle but I don’t know the heroes or items or strategies etc so it means nothing.

    Now Rocket League on the other hand, I could watch that for hours.

    Reply

  5. Strawman Jim

    April 15, 2016 at 20:41

    I’m yet to get into this “e-sports” thing. It just reminds me too much of real sports, and then my eyes cloud over and the yawns begin.

    Reply

  6. HairyEwok

    April 18, 2016 at 09:40

    Average income of $69 000…. So in South Africa that would only be our Political leaders unless you pay R84 000 a month.

    Reply

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