Gamers Spend More Time Watching Videos Than Playing Games, Says MIDiA Research
A new report from MIDiA Research reveals a fascinating shift in how gamers interact with their favorite hobby: they now spend more time watching video content related to games than playing the games themselves. With an average of 8.5 hours per week spent watching videos compared to 7.4 hours gaming, platforms like Twitch and YouTube are becoming just as integral to gaming culture as the games themselves.
Key Findings from MIDiA Research
High Video Engagement: 24% of console and PC players watch game-related videos at least monthly, rising to 48% among in-game buyers.
High-Spending Viewers: Those who engage with game-related videos tend to spend more on microtransactions, suggesting a direct link between video engagement and spending habits.
Untapped Opportunity: The report highlights the "untapped potential" for game publishers to integrate video content directly into their ecosystems, creating a bridge between gaming and video consumption.
Rhys Elliott, Games Analyst at MIDiA Research, emphasizes that publishers could capitalize on this trend by offering in-game video platforms. These would not only bring video content closer to players but also open new revenue streams through:
Advertising: Allowing publishers to monetize player engagement within their ecosystems.
Event Integration: Leveraging eSports and competitive gaming to enhance video offerings directly inside games.
By reclaiming video engagement from third-party platforms like Twitch and YouTube, publishers could drive growth in a time of market stagnation and heightened competition.
As gamers face tighter budgets due to economic challenges, video content becomes an attractive alternative to purchasing multiple games. Watching videos, particularly from streamers or eSports events, offers a cost-effective way to stay connected with gaming culture.
This trend also presents publishers with an opportunity to create immersive ecosystems where gameplay, community, and video content converge, fostering deeper engagement and loyalty.
MIDiA’s findings underline a major shift in the gaming landscape. While traditional gameplay remains vital, the increasing role of video content hints at a hybrid future where games are not just played but experienced through various forms of media.
What’s your take on this trend? Are you watching more gaming videos than playing these days? Let us know in the comments!
