Video Games and Sports: An Unexpected Connection
Video Games Don’t Numb the Mind
Despite what some people may think, video games don’t necessarily numb the mind. They can even motivate people to watch sports games, better understand the strategies used, and even increase connections with teams and players.
Hisense UK’s "Pixels to Pitches" Study
Hisense UK’s "Pixels to Pitches" study, conducted between January 23 and 30, 2025, among 2,000 British gamers, has demonstrated yet another benefit of gaming. The study found that 37% of respondents said they were more interested in watching sport on TV after playing video games, with 12% reporting a sharp increase in interest.
Fostering a Personal Interest in Sports
These initial findings suggest that video games have more positive than negative impacts. In addition to fostering a personal interest in sports, gaming also helps to strengthen ties between communities. According to the survey results, 45% of respondents felt a stronger connection with their favourite team and players.
The Generation Gap
The generation gap is widening on several points. While 55% of under-45s feel this positive connection, only 31% of older generations share this opinion. Generation Xers are more inclined to watch American football and cricket (14%) than basketball (11%). The opposite is true of the 18-44 age group, with 30% choosing basketball and 22% American football.
Most Watched Sports
More generally, soccer is the most watched sport among British gamers (61%), followed by basketball (21%) and American football (18%), cricket (15%) and rugby (12%).
Improved Knowledge of Strategy and Understanding of the Game
In addition to watching sports on TV, 56% of gamers report that they had also improved their knowledge of strategy, and 17% their general understanding of the game. Only 28% reported no change at all.
Conclusion
The findings of the "Pixels to Pitches" study suggest that video games have a positive impact on people’s attitudes towards sports. They can increase interest in watching sports, foster a sense of connection with teams and players, and even improve understanding of the game. As the gaming industry continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how these findings evolve and whether they have a lasting impact on the way we engage with sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the "Pixels to Pitches" study?
The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of video games on people’s attitudes towards sports. - What were the main findings of the study?
The main findings of the study were that 37% of respondents reported an increase in interest in watching sports after playing video games, and 45% felt a stronger connection with their favourite team and players. - What is the generation gap in terms of sports preferences?
The study found that 55% of under-45s feel a positive connection with their favourite team and players, while only 31% of older generations share this opinion. - What are the most watched sports among British gamers?
According to the study, the most watched sports are soccer (61%), basketball (21%), and American football (18%), cricket (15%) and rugby (12%).