A new global study commissioned by Logitech G reveals that nearly two-thirds (65%) of people worldwide support more formal education pathways in esports and gaming for aspiring professionals, highlighting a growing acceptance of professional gaming as a legitimate career. However, the survey of 18,000 respondents across 12 countries, conducted by Censuswide in January 2026, uncovers stark generational and regional divides.
Overall, 54% of respondents believe professional gaming is a legitimate career path. But acceptance varies dramatically by age: 67% of Gen Z and 60% of Millennials agree, compared to just 37% of Baby Boomers. The gap is even wider in some countries. In Germany, only 20% of Baby Boomers consider professional gaming a legitimate career, while in China, nearly three-quarters (74%) do.
“This research shows how far esports and gaming have come – not only as entertainment, but as a genuine path to personal and professional success,” said Derek Perez, Global Communications Gaming lead at Logitech G. “However, more can be done to support younger generations in pursuing careers in professional gaming.”
The study also examined how professional gaming compares to other careers in terms of respectability. Healthcare professionals (55%), lawyers (33%), teachers (30%) and engineers (28%) top the list, while professional gaming (8%) ranks alongside musicians (9%), professional racers (8%), and politicians (7%). Just 1% of Boomers and 3% of Gen X would encourage a young person to become a professional gamer, and only 4% of Millennials would recommend it. However, 40% say professional gaming is more aspirational now than a decade ago, while 44% say politics and 25% say teaching are less desirable.
Key barriers to pursuing professional gaming include perceived financial risk (42%), industry competitiveness (34%), and lack of parental and societal support (31%). A third of respondents believe professional gaming lacks job security, and 42% say it is still seen as a hobby rather than a valid career.
Despite these challenges, there is recognition of the demands of competitive gaming. More than a third (37%) globally support adding esports to the Olympic Games, rising to 49% of Gen Z. Additionally, 84% view professional gaming as mentally demanding, and 55% as physically demanding. Over a quarter (27%) believe gamers train 10–12 hours a day, exceeding the traditional 9-to-5 workday.
To address the lack of formal qualifications, 47% think schools should include esports classes alongside traditional sports. Support is strong in Switzerland (73%), China (77%), and the USA (46%), but cautious in the UK (32%), France (36%), and Germany (29%). Globally, 65% believe universities and colleges should offer formal education pathways for esports careers. Respondents also cited more media coverage and professional training facilities (33%), transparency around earnings (32%), and inclusion in major global sporting events (30%) as factors that would increase the career's legitimacy.
“Ensuring access to training, facilities, and technology is essential in ensuring the continued growth of careers in professional gaming,” Perez concluded. Logitech G, a leader in gaming technology, offers products like the PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE and the Logitech G512 X TMR Analog/Mechanical Gaming Keyboard to help gamers perform at their best.
