The research revealed that the majority of gamers watch those playing game content rather than playing it.
There has been a big change in the gaming world in recent years. According to the research conducted by Midia Research in the second quarter of 2024, players spend an average of 16 hours a week on game-related content. However, only 7.4 hours of this time is spent playing games, while the remaining 8.5 hours are spent watching gaming videos on Twitch, YouTube and social media platforms. The research reveals that game viewing habits are increasing and this offers new revenue opportunities for game developers.
The Increasing Popularity of Game Broadcasts
The research shows that the majority of gamers turn to video platforms to watch game content. While gaming time is decreasing, time spent on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube is increasing. This change is especially evident in younger age groups.
For gaming companies, this new habit can create an important source of income. Creating their own content platforms offers an opportunity for video game companies to reach audiences directly and create a variety of revenue models, from advertising to sponsorships.
Midia Research discusses how gaming companies can adapt to this trend by offering gaming-related content on their platforms. Such a move could disrupt the flow of video content to existing external platforms, giving gaming companies more control and a source of revenue.
However, the fact that major platforms already have a huge audience can make this strategy difficult. Shifting existing followers from areas like YouTube and Twitch can pose a major obstacle for streamers looking to establish new platforms. Therefore, it is emphasized that gaming companies should carefully consider this strategy.