Through a press release, the Italian Observatory of eSports has disclosed the statistical data on the profile of Italian enthusiasts: among hardcore gamers and fans, women are growing
The third edition of EspoGame, the event dedicated to eSports, gaming and web3 which enlivened the Rimini Fair for two days (March 15 and 16), ended with great success. Organized by the Italian eSports Observatory, Sport Digital House and the Italian Exhibition Group, EspoGame represented a historic meeting point between all the protagonists of the present and the future of these sectors. Not only that, however, because EspoGame was also an opportunity to present numbers, data and statistics of the eSports sector in Italy. In particular, during the Rimini event the results of the research “Hardcore Gamers and eSports Fans in Italy”, conducted by YouGov for the Italian eSports Observatory, were announced.
The research in question analyzes the eSports market in Italy, dividing the field between Harcore Gamers and eSports Fans. The first, the hardcore gamers, are those who play more than 21 hours a week. The second, eSports fans, are video game enthusiasts who spend less than three hours a day in front of the PC. A picture has emerged whereby, in total among hardcore gamers and eSports Fans, there are over six million gamers in Italy. Specifically, 2021 saw an increase in eSports fans, which however was not maintained in 2022. At the beginning of 2023, the estimated eSports fans in Italy are almost 5 million (as in 2020). Hardcore gamers are around 1.2 million.
Between hardcore gamers and eSports fans: the profile of Italian enthusiasts according to the OIES and YouGov!
Both hardcore gamers and eSports fans are optimistic and proactive in their relationship with technology, augmented reality and cryptocurrencies. Big difference, surprisingly, in the division between women and men: hardcore gamers are divided into 58% men and 42% women, equally distributed in the various age groups (the most represented is that of 25-34 years with 26% of people). For their part, eSports fans see an overwhelming male predominance with 70% men and 30% women. Almost 50% are in the 25-44 age group, with Campania and Sicily being the most represented regions.
Finally, both hardcore gamers and eSports fans are projected towards the use of cryptocurrencies and social platforms, especially Facebook (between 26% and 29%). Podcasts are also very popular, listened to by almost 40% considering both categories. Luigi Caputo, founder of the Italian eSports Observatory and organizer of EspoGame, said:
The data that emerged from the research tell of a constantly changing eSports market in Italy. The fluctuation in interest is evident, but the fact that should certainly be underlined is the presence of women, which in 2023 undergoes a radical change. While in the past years the percentages between female gamers and fans were substantially similar, now we see a clear distinction. The number of video gamers remains very high, while that of simple female enthusiasts decreases. This is a signal that should be picked up especially by sponsors. It is now an established fact that there is an important community of female gamers in Italy, and consequently investments should also start to enhance this world. In absolute numbers, then, the fans have remained essentially unchanged in the last three years. This should lead to a reflection in the operators of the sector, in trying to join forces to spread the culture of gaming as much as possible.
And this is what emerged from the latest research conducted by YouGov for the Italian Esports Observatory on the profile of Italian fans! Let us know what you think below in the comments, we will continue to keep you updated with all the gaming and tech-themed news, guides and reviews! And if you are interested in game keys at advantageous prices, we suggest you take a look at the Kinguin catalogue!