According to the latest research commissioned by Tencent in collaboration with the British Esports Association and Ukie, 75% of UK students support the inclusion of esports in school curricula, with 64% of students already participating in esports-related academic activities. The survey, conducted by Censuswide, targeted 2000 respondents aged between 16 and 27 who are interested in the creative and entertainment industries.
The results indicated that 40% of respondents are considering careers related to video games, and 58% believe that esports as a profession is more accessible than industries such as law and engineering. Although 16 higher education institutions in the UK offer degree programs related to esports, 36% of respondents perceive financial barriers when pursuing further education, and 33% express unclear career development paths. Vice Chairman of the British Esports Association, Tom Dore, stated: “Introducing esports in secondary, further education, and higher education curricula equips young people with the skills needed to enter esports, gaming, and the broader digital, creative, and STEM industries.” Tom Dore added: “The support and recognition from video game publishers and industry stakeholders are crucial for driving sustainable growth, grassroots development, and clear career paths within the esports ecosystem. ” Ukie CEO, Nick Poole, said: “Esports play a key role in shaping future work and creativity, offering young people opportunities to develop skills and pursue careers at the intersection of technology, media, and interactive entertainment.” Nick Poole further added: “The UK has unique growth potential in this area, with strong experience in hosting global major events and the largest student esports player community in Europe. To further drive this momentum, we must continue to invest in education, infrastructure, and cross-industry collaboration.” This article is produced and published by Gamehiving, and republication is prohibited without permission.
