Online gaming is not just fun, but also an important social opportunity, where real friendships can be created and cultivated. This is what emerges from Gaming Relationship Report 2023a study conducted by Samsung Electronics on 7,500 gamers in five European countries, including Italy.
For 49% of players, gaming has a social function
According to the study, 49% of Italian gamers see online gaming as an opportunity to meet other enthusiasts and establish authentic relationships. 30% of them have even transformed friendships created online into concrete relationships in real life. A similar trend is also found in the other countries analysed, such as Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain, demonstrating how gaming is a means of overcoming geographical and cultural barriers.
The study also highlights how gaming is particularly appreciated by young people between 18 and 24 years oldThat they exploit the social dimension in 73% of cases. Over half of players under 35 have met in person with friends they made online through gaming.
For many gamers, gaming is also an opportunity for personal growth. The study reveals that 29% of Italian players feel part of a community thanks to the gamewhile 20% say that gaming has improved their self-esteem and social skills.
It is no coincidence that as many as 3 million Italians would be willing to follow specific training to perfect their gaming skills, especially young people between 18 and 24 years old. In short, gaming is no longer a solitary experience, but a tool for sociality and personal development. This is confirmed by the fact that 93% of people between 18 and 44 have tried gaming at least once in their life and 83% continue to do so regularly.
You can consult the complete study at this link.