3.11.2022
- The regional survey was conducted among respondents from Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia
- More than 80 percent of respondents mentioned strategic thinking as an important advantage of esports, more than 50 percent believe that it contributes to the development of creativity and teamwork, and 34 percent want to do it professionally
- To continue encouraging positive trends in the gaming industry, Hrvatski Telekom launched the regional tournament Telekom eSports Championship. The finals will take place on November 19 in Zagreb.
Video games are an indispensable part of the everyday life of many respondents. More than 70 percent of active users have been playing them for more than ten years, according to a regional survey conducted by Hrvatski Telekom among esports enthusiasts from Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The survey was conducted among respondents aged 18 to 40 who regularly play video games.
As for the first three positive aspects, respondents highlighted the development of strategic thinking (as many as 83 percent), meeting new people (61 percent), and the development of creativity (56 percent). The survey has shown that every fifth esports enthusiast sees playing video games as an opportunity to improve their digital literacy. More than 85 percent of them have excellent or very good results in school or college. It is also positive that 80 percent of respondents feel happy playing video games, while more than 65 percent mention relaxation as the dominant feeling. They actively socialize in the virtual world, and as many as 75 percent have made five to ten new friends thanks to esports.
Also, 50 percent of young players believe that playing video games strengthens reflexes and focus, analytical skills, and orientation. Forty-five percent of respondents see esports as an opportunity for supplemental income in addition to their current job, while 34 percent want to do it professionally.
However, despite the prevalence of video games, as many as 80 percent of young people have encountered prejudices related to esports and the gaming industry.
"The survey we conducted among players in the region showed that esports can be beneficial if approached responsibly and conscientiously. With the Telekom eSports Championship, we want to show that esports is not just a game, but that it enables many positive aspects such as strategic thinking, creativity, and socialization," said Branka Bajt, brand director of Hrvatski Telekom.
Aware of the presence of numerous stereotypes about this industry, as well as the benefits of responsible gaming, Hrvatski Telekom launched the regional competition Telekom eSports Championship. Players from Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia participate in the tournament, and in addition to good fun, its aims to educate and promote equality, the fight against hate speech, and self-care. Various activities that encourage the development of new skills in the competitors and viewers are an integral part of the competition. This year's regional competition finals are on November 19 in Zagreb. Follow the Telekom eSports social media for all the details.