84% of gamers say they would consider taking a course in game development and design at higher education level, according to a new survey from GamerFest, Ireland’s leading gaming and esports festival. In addition, 9 in 10 say they think it is possible to have a gaming career in Ireland.
Of the 84% who said they would be interested in third level courses, nearly 4 in 10 (38%) currently work in another industry, but would have pursued a career in the gaming industry if the option was available when they were entering third level education. A further 46% are currently considering taking a course in game development and design.
The majority (96%) of those surveyed also feel that the government should increase investment and expenditure in the Irish gaming industry beyond the current level. 9 in 10 people agree that gaming companies should be able to avail of tax relief measures to operate in Ireland. While Ireland’s tax credits for the sector are competitive internationally, those surveyed said that they would like to see robust credits introduced.
Interestingly, one third of those surveyed were unaware that Ireland is home to a developing major games industry – a number of major gaming companies have offices in Ireland including Riot Games, producers of the popular shooter game Valorant, and Electronic Arts, who create The Sims series and EAFC (formerly known as FIFA).
Gaming is a hobby for all ages with nearly 8 in 10 playing for fun
Gaming is a key hobby for many across a range of ages, with the biggest group of gamers surveyed stating they were between the ages 35-44 (35%). 77% of gamers are playing for fun, while one in ten surveyed say they engage in gaming for social purposes and to meet others with similar interests. A quarter of game players surveyed spend over 10 hours per week playing video games.
When it comes to spending money on gaming, 40% of gamers are outlaying more than €50 a month, with 1 in 10 spending over €100 per month on their hobby. More than half of those who spend money on gaming each month spend a quarter of their monthly budget on in-game purchases, such as Fortnite Skins or V-Bucks, to enhance their gameplay.
Gaming fans and content creators come together for GamerFest Dublin this May
Gamers and leading content creators in the gaming sector will come together this May 25th and 26th in the RDS, Dublin for the 7th year of GamerFest, which has welcomed over 25,000 visitors since its inception from across Ireland. GamerFest has firmly established itself as a diverse, community-led gaming event for everyone with a passion for gaming, from causal gamers and families right through to professional esports players and teams.
Nearly 80% (78%) of those surveyed believe live gaming events, like GamerFest, are extremely important in supporting the games industry.
The epic GamerFest weekend is a celebration of all things gaming and will feature the latest gaming releases, virtual reality experiences, esports, cosplay competitions and gaming challenges. There will also be a host of special guests including top Twitch and YouTube creators including Shauna Davitt, The Gara Show, Ryan Mar and Jack Igoe, with more special guest announcements to come. There will also be opportunities to learn about careers and third level courses in the gaming industry from leading companies and colleges.
In addition to last year’s super events across the Play, Compete, Connect and Discover zones, this May will see both Call of Duty Zone and Helldivers II playable at the festival. There’ll also be the exhilarating Formula One Fastest Lap competition in the Currys Sim Racing Zone, and for those looking to get their groove on, a Just Dance Challenge will take place across the weekend.
GamerFest CEO Stuart Dempsey says: “GamerFest continues to go from strength to strength, and we couldn’t be more excited to return to the RDS this May. There will be something for everyone, from casual gamers right through to budding esports stars.
“GamerFest is delighted to have a number of colleges and industry experts to chat about educational and career options in the sector at this year’s event. We see so many visitors to GamerFest seeking information on careers in the games industry so it’s a really exciting time for the games industry
“As showcased by our survey, the gaming industry in Ireland is a sector with enormous potential, and we are only scratching the surface in terms of the economic growth and job creation that it can bring to Ireland.
“It’s fantastic that the IDA is currently working to strengthen the financial support for the gaming industry through stronger tax credit initiatives, and we believe this can lead to a whole range of benefits for the wider Irish economy.”
