In recent years, streamers have become increasingly influential in the gaming world, with some amassing substantial fan bases. A recent report indicates that gamers are now spending more time watching gaming videos than actually playing the games themselves. This shift could present a lucrative opportunity for video game publishers to generate additional revenue from their most dedicated fans.
Midia Research has published a 17-page report that examines the time various age groups spend playing games versus watching game-related videos. The survey, conducted in the second quarter of 2024, gathered responses from gamers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Sweden, South Korea, and Brazil. According to the report, gamers dedicate an average of just under 16 hours per week to their hobby. Of this, only 7.4 hours are spent playing games, while the remaining 8.5 hours are spent watching gaming content on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and social media.
The report suggests that video game companies should leverage this trend by developing their own platforms for gamers to consume user-generated content. This 'untapped potential' could attract advertisements and sponsorships currently directed towards other platforms. More significantly, it could provide publishers with a direct channel to in-game purchases from their most loyal customers.
However, there are challenges to consider. YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms already command a significant portion of the gaming audience. Convincing fans to switch from these open platforms, where they can watch a variety of content, to a closed ecosystem dedicated solely to one publisher may not be as straightforward as the report suggests.
Source link: https://www.gamespot.com
