Esports is already massively popular with young people. As such, the esports industry is being driven by a demographic of under-35s and their increasing engagement with, and immersion in, the digital world.

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  • 81% of 12 to 15-year-olds play video games, on average, for nearly 12 hours per week 
  • 49% of girls aged five to 15 play video games, up from 38% in 2018.

Read the Ofcom - Media use and attitudes report 2019

Esports is an exciting, team-based activity that engages a wider demographic of young people than traditional team activities such as sport, music, art or drama – including, but not limited to, those who are not ‘into’ these activities.

When done in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle, esports is also a beneficial alternative to watching passive media, like TV, or using social media. It has explicit links to computing education, STEAM subjects and the development of business and enterprise skills, digital skills, cyber skills and digital literacy. It also promotes character development in the same way that traditional team-based activities do.

  • promotes leadership skills and teamwork 
  • boosts social and communication skills 
  • develops problem solving, decision-making and multitasking abilities 
  • improves cyber, digital and other transferable skills 
  • develops friendships and communities 
  • improves reaction times, dexterity and concentration 
  • increases perceptual and cognitive skills 
  • improves resilience through winning and losing 
  • can act as a motivator to improve attendance and behaviour