#Japan #Tokyo #Cross Marketing #Game Engagement #Olympic eSports

Growth in eSports Recognition and Participation Ahead of Olympic Events

As the world of gaming continues to expand, the recognition and interest in competitive gaming, particularly eSports, are on the rise among players. A recent survey conducted by Cross Marketing, involving 1,906 individuals aged 15 to 69 who play consumer and mobile games at least once a month, showcases the growing popularity of eSports, especially in anticipation of the 2027 Olympic eSports Games in Saudi Arabia.

Survey Insights on eSports Engagement

The survey reveals that 36% of the participants are aware of the upcoming Olympic eSports Games, with a notable 41% indicating their intention to watch the event, highlighting significant engagement within the gaming community. Among those aware of the Olympic eSports Games, an impressive 70% are eager to tune in, showcasing the event's potential to attract a substantial audience.

Participation and Viewing Experiences

Examining the participation and viewing experiences related to eSports, the survey found that only 5% of respondents have participated in an eSports tournament, while 20% have watched one. This suggests that within the core audience of socially active gamers, 25% have experienced either participation or viewing of eSports events. The previous year saw a 4-point increase in the overall participation and viewing experiences, especially pronounced among individuals aged between 20 and 40, where engagement rates ranged from 28% to 30%.

It's worth noting that the participation rate in eSports competitions remains below 10% across all demographics over the past five years, indicating both opportunities and challenges for the industry.

Popular Game Genres in eSports

The survey also delved into the types of games that hold the greatest appeal for observers and participants in eSports tournaments. The top five game genres based on watching or viewing experiences include:
1. Fighting Games
2. Shooting Games
3. Puzzle Games
4. Sports Games
5. Racing Games

For 2025, the awareness for watching fighting games is projected to rise to 33%, reflecting a steady interest in competitive fighting scenarios.

Interestingly, the genres with the highest participation experience differ slightly. While fighting and sports games dominate in viewership, shooting, strategy, and racing games also make the top five in terms of participation, indicating diverse interests within the eSports community.

Recognized eSports Titles

When participants were asked to name eSports titles without any prompts, responses varied widely. Among the most recognized were:

• - Street Fighter Series: 184 mentions
• - Fortnite: 111 mentions
• - Apex Legends: 99 mentions

Age demographics reveal interesting insights, with the Street Fighter Series being favored by individuals in their 40s, while the younger crowd, specifically those aged 15 to 19, showed a high recall rate for Fortnite and Apex Legends.

Conclusion

The ongoing interest in eSports is supported by a growing awareness of significant events like the Olympic eSports Games. As the survey indicates, the engagement levels and genre preferences are evolving, presenting fruitful opportunities for stakeholders in the gaming industry. With continued focus on promoting these events, the future of eSports looks promising, steered by the enthusiasm of a dedicated audience. As such, the insights gathered from this exploration will serve as a foundation for understanding how to better engage with the dynamic world of eSports.

For more detailed statistics and insight into this evolving landscape, the full report is available for download from Cross Marketing's website at Cross Marketing Report.