Gamers Devote More Time to Watching Gaming Videos Than Actually Playing

A new report from Midia Research indicates that gamers are now spending more time watching gaming videos on platforms like YouTube and Twitch than engaging in gameplay itself. The study found that the average gamer spends around 7.4 hours per week playing games, while dedicating approximately 8.5 hours to watching videos related to gaming. According to Midia, this trend highlights an opportunity for game publishers to integrate video content into their own platforms, thereby unlocking new revenue streams. The research also notes that 24% of console and PC players, as well as 48% of frequent in-game purchasers, consume gaming-related content at least once a month. By bringing video content in-house, game publishers can tap into additional revenue sources, including advertising, and compete more effectively in the attention economy. As Rhys Elliott, a games analyst at MIDiA Research, suggests, "It's essential for game publishers to view in-game video as more than just a marketing tool." By doing so, they can "reclaim video engagement, unlock new revenue streams, and drive growth."