Broadband and telecoms provider, Pure Telecom has announced findings of a survey, highlighting that nearly one third (32%) of respondents say they used online gaming as a substitute for regular sports during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The survey of 1,000 consumers in the Republic of Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom.
The trend of using esports as a replacement for regular sports was highest in the 18-23 demographic, with 41% of respondents in this age bracket indicating that they had done so during the pandemic.
39% of males surveyed said they used online gaming as a substitute for regular sports, compared to 25% of females.
Pure’s survey also noted how respondents spent an average of five hours a week gaming online, with 14% spending more than 10 hours per week gaming.
26% of total respondents said they would consider pursuing a career as a professional gamer or video game streamer – a prospective career option that was more compelling for a third of males (33%) compared to a fifth of females (20%).
Pure’s research also projected the average expected expenditure on online gaming – including on games, consoles, software updates, streaming equipment – to be €277 among those who game online over the next 12 months, rising to €351 for males, and €496 for respondents in the 18-23 demographic.
The release of the survey findings comes as Irish consumers scramble to get their hands on the highly coveted PlayStation 5 consoles.
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.
"Undoubtedly these outlets have provided a very welcome escape from the realities of the pandemic restrictions, and an engaging substitute for more regular activities hindered by Covid-19," he said.
