Global Survey Reveals Growing Support for Esports Education Pathways, But Generational Divide Persists
A new Logitech G study finds 65% of people worldwide support formal education for esports careers, yet only 37% of Baby Boomers view professional gaming as legitimate, highlighting a significant generational gap.
A global study commissioned by Logitech G and released today reveals that almost two-thirds of people worldwide (65%) support more formal education pathways in esports and gaming for aspiring professionals. However, stark generational and regional divides remain, according to the Logitech G PRO Series Survey.
The survey, which polled 18,000 respondents across 12 countries, found that over half (54%) of respondents globally believe professional gaming is a legitimate career path. Yet attitudes vary sharply by age: while 67% of Gen Z and 60% of Millennials agree, only 37% of Baby Boomers share that view. In Germany, just 20% of Baby Boomers consider professional gaming a legitimate career, compared to 74% in China.
“This research shows how far esports and gaming have come – not only as entertainment, but as a genuine path to personal and professional success,” said Derek Perez, Global Communications Gaming lead at Logitech G. “However, more can be done to support younger generations in pursuing careers in professional gaming.”
The survey also measured the perceived respectability of various careers. Healthcare professionals (55%), lawyers (33%), teachers (30%), and engineers (28%) topped the list. Professional gaming (8%) ranked on par with musicians/actors/entertainers (9%), professional racers (8%), and politicians (7%). Just 1% of Boomers and 3% of Gen X would encourage a young person to become a professional gamer; among Millennials, only 4% would recommend it.
Despite lingering skepticism, the appeal of esports careers is growing. Two-fifths (40%) of respondents said professional gaming is more aspirational now than a decade ago, while 44% believe politics and 25% say teaching are less desirable. Key barriers to pursuing professional gaming include perceived financial risk (42%), industry competitiveness (34%), and lack of parental/societal support (31%). Additionally, 42% said people do not see it as a real job because it is still viewed as a hobby.
The study highlights recognition of the physical and mental demands of competitive gaming: 84% see it as mentally demanding, and 55% as physically demanding. More than a third (37%) support adding esports to the Olympic Games, rising to 49% among Gen Z.
There is strong appetite for educational integration: 47% think schools should include esports classes alongside traditional sports. Support is highest in Switzerland (73%), China (77%), and the USA (46%), but lower in the UK (32%), France (36%), and Germany (29%). Globally, 65% believe there should be formal education pathways from universities, colleges, and specialist courses.
Respondents said more media coverage, professional training facilities (33%), transparency around earnings (32%), and inclusion in major global sporting events (30%) would boost the career's legitimacy. “Ensuring access to training, facilities, and technology is essential,” Perez added. Logitech G continues to support gamers with products like the PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE and Logitech G512 X TMR Analog/Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.