Irish Gaming Survey challenges gaming stereotypes

A new survey conducted by the Irish Esports Federation (IEF) has revealed that gaming in Ireland is far more social and active than the common stereotypes suggest, with the majority of Irish gamers reporting that gaming helps them build meaningful friendships and maintain strong social connections.

According to the survey, 60% of respondents said they have made real-life friends through gaming, highlighting the important role gaming plays in creating genuine social relationships that extend beyond the screen.

The findings show that gaming is overwhelmingly a social activity. More than 70% of respondents said they regularly play with friends, family members, online communities, or a combination of all three. This demonstrates that gaming serves as a powerful platform for connection, communication and shared experiences among people of all ages.

The survey data challenges the perception that gaming and physical activity are mutually exclusive. More than 75% of respondents reported participating in a physical sport outside of esports, indicating that Irish gamers are leading active lifestyles while also engaging in competitive and recreational esports.

Importantly, the survey found that gaming helps develop skills that are increasingly valued in education and at work. When asked which life skills esports had helped them develop most, strategic thinking and teamwork emerged as top skills, withdecision making and critical thinking followed closely. These findings highlight how esports and gaming help participants build transferable skills with applications far beyond gaming itself. Strategic decision-making, collaboration, communication and problem-solving are all competencies sought by employers across a wide range of industries and are developed organically through participation in gaming and esports.

Irish Esports Federation President Steve Daly said, “In the past, gaming has been framed as a solitary, unproductive habit– the IEF survey data shows us a different and more accurate truth.  Gaming in Ireland is highly social and helps young people build lasting friendships, develop valuable career skills and participate in team-based activities. Gaming is also deeply woven into youth culture. What it lacks now is institutional recognition, structured pathways, and the kind of support that other competitive youth activity take for granted.”

The IEF survey noted that 92% of secondary students have no esports club at school. 65% would join one immediately, if available. Looking to the future, 70% of respondents said that they would consider a career in esports or the gaming industry, with 51% stating that they would join an esports academy for skills and pathways in the sector.

The results from Irish gamers in relation to the relationship between wellness and esports performance is also very insightful, with 84% of respondents play/life balance as vital or very important, with sleep ranking highly also at 78%. Overall 86% respondents stated that mental health was very important to esports performance, with a third ranking it as vitally important.

The IEF believes the findings highlight the positive social impact of gaming and reinforce the importance of recognising esports as a legitimate sporting and community activity that develops teamwork, communication, strategic thinking and leadership skills.

“The survey results come at a time when esports and gaming continue to grow across Ireland, bringing together players from diverse backgrounds and creating new opportunities for competition, education and community engagement,” added Steve Daly, IEF President.

As the national esports organisation, the IEF is committed to providing inclusive youth, education and training programmes through gamified learning, focused on STEAM subjects, digital skills, online safety and relevant engaged learning with partners such as secondary schools, DEIS schools, Foroige, YMCA, Education and Training Board (ETB) as well as community groups, youth outreach organisations, local authorities and a variety of education providers. Many of the programmes organised by the IEF have been hosted at the National Esports Centre in Cork.

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