You Probably Play A Computer Game

It is no longer a question of “do you like computer games and esports” but now “which game is your favorite?” The latest Global Web Index report shows 48% of internet users in the United States play a game on their computer (in this context Macs and Linux devices are included with Windows).

One of the more encouraging signs of growth isn’t in the sheer numbers, but the demographic of the players. It should come as no surprise to see the 25 to 34 and 16 to 24 age groups leading the way at 54% and 52% respectively, however even the more middle aged 35 to 44 bracket plays games at a high frequency of 48%. Across the age boundaries there is a nearly even money chance that both men, 48%, or women, 47%, play a game online or competitively at least once per month as well.

The surveyed group did not need to specify which specific games were played, but Twitch.TV released their January streaming info and serves well as a best-guess proxy on the GWI group. The top three most played — and viewed — games are titans of the esports realm, with League of Legends, Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive standing in order atop the podium. Five of the top 10 highest viewed titles are exclusive to PC’s. When a CS:GO tournament can draw over 1 million simultaneous viewers, big entertainment money follows big entertainment numbers.

 

With the biggest prize pools, sponsorship and biggest infrastructure involvement, it isn’t just the nerds taking note. Other entertainment mediums have been sponsoring esports related events. From the StarCraft II Ender’s Game on Blu-Ray tournament last year to the Chappie Challenge tournament playing Evolve this earlier month, to the million dollar perfect game MLB 2k11, the intersection of esports — in particular PC games — and entertainment is at a level never before seen.

(Header image via GWI)