eir, Ireland’s largest telecommunications provider, has today released the results of an online survey conducted with GamerFest attendees, ahead of Ireland’s premier gaming and esports festival, which kicks off this Saturday 19th October at the RDS, Dublin.
As the Official Network Partner for GamerFest for the third year, eir polled gamers over 18 years old to capture a snapshot of gaming culture in Ireland today. The survey results highlight the growing role of gaming in fostering social connections, promoting inclusivity, and reducing stress and anxiety among players.
Urban Gaming and Platform Preferences
The survey found that 60% of respondents were between the ages of 25 and 44, highlighting the broad appeal of gaming amongst adults. A significant 78% of gamers live in urban areas, solidifying the role of gaming as urban cultural phenomenon
When it comes to platform preferences, gaming consoles continue to dominate, with 61% of respondents choosing consoles over other platforms. PCs came in second, favoured by 24% of gamers, reflecting the continued popularity of console gaming in Ireland today.
The Social Impact of Gaming in Ireland Today
Social gaming also emerged as a significant trend, with 63% of participants enjoying gaming with others. Whether through multiplayer online games or in-person events like GamerFest, Irish players are increasingly using these platforms to socialise, form friendships and strengthen existing connections. While still popular with 31% of respondents, solo gaming is being outpaced by social gaming trends in Ireland. Furthermore, over 63% of respondents stated that gaming has helped them expand their social circle, while 68% said it helps them stay connected with friends and family. These findings illustrate gaming’s ability to strengthen and form new relationships both virtually and offline. Over 6,000 people are expected to attend GamerFest this weekend, showing how gaming communities are expanding across Ireland.
The survey also found that 86% of respondents reported that gaming helps reduce stress, while 71% said it alleviates anxiety. Moreover, 71% found that gaming helped them cope with feelings of isolation, showing that gaming plays an important role in supporting gamers’ wellbeing in Ireland today.
Inclusivity and Diversity in the Gaming Industry
Diversity remains a key area of growth within the gaming industry as highlighted by the survey. While 96% of respondents agree that gaming is inclusive and accessible to people from all backgrounds, 76% believe there is still a need for greater diversity in gaming content, underscoring the need for more representation in the industry.
Susan Brady, Managing Director of Consumer and Small Business in eir said:
“We’re excited to partner with GamerFest again this year and showcase the incredible gaming experience powered by eir’s 5G and fibre networks. These survey results confirm that gaming is not just a form of entertainment but a powerful medium for building communities and promoting inclusivity. At eir, we’re committed to supporting this culture by providing top-tier connectivity for gamers, whether they’re playing from home or on the go. Our high-speed Gigabit Broadband and 5G network ensure uninterrupted gameplay, making eir the best network for gamers in Ireland.”
Colm Roche, Director of Partnerships, GamerFest added:
We’re thrilled to be working with eir again this year to bring the best in gaming to Ireland. The festival is a testament to how gaming can bring people together, building communities, and create unforgettable experiences. With eir’s support and their industry-leading network GamerFest 2024 will be our best event yet, with over 6,000 gamers coming together to celebrate their shared passion.”
Powering the Future of Irish Gaming
GamerFest 2024 promises an action-packed weekend filled with gaming tournaments, tech showcases, and community-driven events. With eir’s sponsorship, attendees can look forward to uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity, keeping them online and engaged throughout the festival.
eir’s low-latency network ensures gamers’ actions are registered instantly, providing them with faster reaction times and an optimal gaming experience. With its industry-leading Gigabit Broadband network, offering speeds of up to 10GB per second and covering a record-breaking 1.2 million homes and businesses, or approximately 3 million people, across Ireland, eir is now the best network for gaming in the country.
Over the past four years eir has invested more than €1 billion in building world class connectivity infrastructure, enabling the build of Ireland’s largest Gigabit Fibre Network and Ireland’s best available 5G mobile network. eir has committed to investing an additional €1 billion to further expand its reach – to 1.9 million front doors, or 84% of homes and businesses in Ireland by 2026.
