A new global study commissioned by Logitech G reveals that 65% of people worldwide support formal education pathways for careers in esports and professional gaming, highlighting a growing acceptance of the industry. However, the Logitech G PRO Series Survey underscores significant generational and regional divides, with only 37% of Baby Boomers considering professional gaming a legitimate career compared to 67% of Gen Z and 60% of Millennials.
The survey, conducted by Censuswide among 18,000 respondents across 12 markets, found that 54% globally believe professional gaming is a valid career path. Yet, acceptance varies widely by country. In Germany, just 20% of Baby Boomers view pro gaming as legitimate, while in China, 74% of the same demographic agree. Derek Perez, Global Communications Gaming lead at Logitech G, stated, "This research shows how far esports and gaming have come – not only as entertainment, but as a genuine path to personal and professional success."
Despite the positive trends, professional gaming still ranks low in respectability compared to traditional careers. Only 8% of respondents consider it respectable, on par with musicians (9%) and professional racers (8%), far behind healthcare professionals (55%) and lawyers (33%). When asked if they would encourage a young person to become a professional gamer, just 1% of Boomers and 3% of Gen X said yes, while even Millennials were hesitant at 4%. However, 40% believe professional gaming is more aspirational in 2026 than it was a decade ago.
Key barriers to pursuing esports careers include perceived financial risk (42%), industry competitiveness (34%), and lack of parental and societal support (31%). A third of respondents worry about job security, and 42% say the field is dismissed as a hobby. To address these challenges, 47% of respondents think schools should include esports in the curriculum alongside traditional sports, with support particularly high in Switzerland (73%), China (77%), and the USA (46%), but lower in the UK (32%), France (36%), and Germany (29%).
The survey also highlights recognition of the physical and mental demands of competitive gaming, with 84% agreeing it is mentally demanding and 55% physically demanding. Over a quarter (27%) believe pro gamers train 10–12 hours daily. Additionally, 37% globally support adding esports to the Olympic Games, rising to 49% among Gen Z. Respondents called for more media coverage, professional training facilities (33%), transparency around earnings (32%), and inclusion in major sporting events (30%) to boost the career's legitimacy.
Logitech G, a leader in gaming technology, aims to empower aspiring esports stars through products like the PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE and the Logitech G512 X TMR Analog/Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Perez concluded, "Ensuring access to training, facilities, and technology is essential in ensuring the continued growth of careers in professional gaming."
